Austria bans Islamic headscarves in schools for girls under 14 / Parents face fines of up to €800

Austria has banned the wearing of the Islamic veil in schools by girls under the age of 14, starting with the new school year. The measure applies to both public and private institutions and targets traditional Muslim head coverings, such as the hijab.

The government says that the ban aims to protect girls, promote gender equality, and prevent pressure being exerted on children. Integration Minister Claudia Bauer described the veil as a symbol of oppression and control imposed from an early age.

Teachers must initially discuss the matter with the student and her family. In the event of repeated violations, child protection services will be informed, and parents or guardians may receive fines of up to 800 euros.

The Islamic Community in Austria (IGGO) criticizes the law and announces that it will support families wishing to challenge it before the Constitutional Court. The organization considers that the measure disproportionately affects Muslim girls and limits religious freedom. In 2020, the court annulled a similar ban in primary schools, citing the state’s religious neutrality.

The far-right Freedom Party (FPO) is calling for stricter rules, including a general ban on veils and articles covering the face in schools. Austria already bans the wearing of the niqab and burqa in public spaces, and similar regulations exist in France, Belgium, and Denmark.