Austria has passed a law banning headscarves in schools for girls under the age of 14.
The conservative-led coalition of three centrist parties, the ÖVP, the SPÖ, and the Neos, says the law is a clear commitment to gender equality, but critics argue it will fuel anti-Muslim sentiment and could be unconstitutional.
The measure applies to girls in both public and private schools.
In 2020, a similar headscarf ban for girls under 10 was struck down by the Constitutional Court for specifically targeting Muslims.
The new law prohibits girls under 14 from wearing traditional Muslim head coverings like hijabs or burkas.
If a student violates the ban, they must engage in discussions with school authorities and their guardians. In cases of repeated violations, the child welfare agency will be notified, and families could face fines up to €800 (£700).
Government members argue that the ban empowers girls and protects them from oppression. Parliamentary leader of the Neos, Yannick Shetty, claimed it is not an attack on a religion but a measure to ensure girls' freedom, affecting around 12,000 children.
The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which voted for the ban, believes it does not go far enough, calling for a broader ban including all pupils. They assert that political Islam has no place here.
Meanwhile, Sigrid Maurer from the Greens labeled the law as clearly unconstitutional, and the Islamic Community in Austria criticized it for violating fundamental rights and potentially stigmatizing children.
The IGGÖ plans to review the law’s constitutionality, arguing that the previous court ruling should still apply.
Despite the pushback, government representatives express hope the law will withstand constitutional scrutiny. An awareness trial phase is set to begin in February 2026, with the law fully taking effect next September.
