“If it were a ban on the headscarf, I would disagree. But being a ban on the burqa, I support it,” stated the candidate for next year’s presidential elections, speaking to journalists during a visit to the “Grandes Escolhas — Vinhos e Sabores” event, which began today at the Lisbon International Fair (FIL).
Luís Marques Mendes justified his stance with three points.
“Firstly, in defense of women’s dignity. Secondly, because covering one’s face in public spaces violates the basic rules of societal living. Thirdly, for security reasons, a covered face does not enhance safety,” he argued.
On Friday, PSD, IL, and CDS-PP approved, in general terms, the Chega party’s bill aimed at banning the use of the burqa in public spaces, citing women’s rights and security issues.
“I agree with this decision. I believe it cannot be seen as an act against immigrants and should not be confused with an attack on immigrants. It is a decision in favor of defending our cultural values and societal norms,” said the presidential candidate, noting that it is not “essential” at this moment.
Asked whether he would promulgate this law if he were President, Luís Marques Mendes declined to comment, noting that “the law has not yet been definitively approved.”
“This is my position in principle on the idea, but it is necessary to see how the law will turn out concretely, and therefore we must now await the work in detail, as this issue also involves legal matters,” he stated.
Marques Mendes noted that this proposal brings “constitutional issues,” but pointed out similar challenges have arisen in other countries.
“This happened in France years ago when France made the same decision, and I recall the European Court of Human Rights decided, by a significant majority, that the burqa ban was possible. Precisely for one of the reasons I mentioned, the Court says that the use of the burqa, or in other words, a covered face, violates a set of basic societal rules,” he noted.
When asked if this law might face challenges in the Constitutional Court, the presidential candidate suggested waiting for the detailed discussion to see how the law concretely takes shape before assessing any constitutional issues.
“At this moment, as it’s a broad debate, we can only comment on the idea. Regarding whether the law, in its concrete form, has unconstitutional aspects, that’s something for after the detailed discussion. Until then, there will be several changes. At this moment, I can only comment on the idea, more on the specific law later,” indicated Luís Marques Mendes.
