Austria has passed a law banning headscarves in schools for girls under the age of 14.
The conservative-led coalition of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos party is backing the legislation, claiming it expresses a 'clear commitment to gender equality.' However, critics contend the law may exacerbate anti-Muslim sentiment and could potentially violate constitutional rights.
The prohibition will impact girls attending both public and private schools. This law follows a previous ban from 2020 that targeted girls under 10, which was eventually overturned by the Constitutional Court for singling out Muslims.
The new law specifically bars girls under 14 from wearing traditional Muslim head coverings like hijabs and burkas. Students disrespecting the ban will engage in discussions with school authorities and guardians, with repeated violations prompting involvement from child welfare services. Fines of up to €800 (£700) may be imposed on families for non-compliance.
Members of the government argue that the law aims to empower young girls by shielding them from perceived oppression. Yannick Shetty, the parliamentary leader of the Neos party, insists it is a protective measure rather than an attack on religious practices, estimating that around 12,000 children will be affected by the regulation.
The far-right Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), which supported the ban, argues it doesn't go far enough and calls for an extension to cover all students and staff, with spokesperson Ricarda Berger asserting that 'political Islam has no place here.'
On the other hand, Sigrid Maurer from the opposition Greens critiques the law as 'clearly unconstitutional,' while the Islamic Community in Austria condemns it as a violation of fundamental rights, stating that it would only serve to marginalize affected individuals.
The Islamic Community plans to examine the law's constitutionality and pursue necessary legal actions, referencing a Constitutional Court ruling from 2020 that deemed a previous ban discriminatory. The government has indicated they have made efforts to avoid such a ruling this time around.
As the law transitions towards full enforcement, an awareness campaign will commence in February 2026, leading into the commencement of the new school year in September.
