Austria implements new law banning headscarves for girls under 14 in public and private schools.
Austria has enacted a new law banning traditional Muslim head coverings, such as hijabs and burkas, for girls under the age of 14 in both public and private schools. The law was introduced by a conservative-led coalition of three centrist parties, which described the integration of the headscarf as a sign of oppression and a means of controlling girls from early childhood.
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The coalition stated the law is a clear commitment to gender equality and is intended to protect the rights of young girls. Carla Amina Baghajati, representing the official Islamic Community in Austria, expressed firm opposition to the ban. She stated that the law unjustifiably restricts the fundamental right to freedom of religion and disproportionately affects Muslim girls. The Islamic Community in Austria noted that the law singles out a specific religious practice and risks excluding the children it claims to support. Teachers are required to enforce the ban by holding talks with students and their legal guardians. If violations are repeated, child services must be notified, and guardians could face fines of up to €800. The far-right Freedom Party called for a broader prohibition on and face coverings for both students and teachers.