"I have a very clear opinion regarding the legislative process currently underway in the Assembly of the Republic. If I were a member of the Assembly of the Republic, I would have voted in favour of the proposed legislation currently under consideration, which essentially includes the use of means by which people can walk with their faces covered in public spaces. In other words, the use of other forms of covering citizens' faces," he said.

Luís Montenegro argued that the "right to security and the perception of security" is at stake and recalled that "a person's right to freedom ends when that right jeopardises the rights of others."

"There's no point in engaging in lengthy philosophical discussions about what constitutes a peaceful life among all those who make up our community," he added.

Luís Montenegro stated that, after the legislation was approved in its general terms, parliament "can now delve deeper and choose the specific legislative option, with its exceptions."

"But the principle is a correct one, one I agree with, and therefore, I hope the legislative process is concluded," he said.

The PSD, IL, and CDS-PP parties approved the Chega bill in its general terms on Friday, invoking women's rights and security concerns.

The initiative received favourable votes from Chega, PSD, IL, and CDS-PP, against votes from PS, Livre, BE, and PCP, and abstentions from PAN and JPP.