Austria bans hijab in schools for girls under 14

Austria’s parliament has approved a law banning girls under the age of 14 from wearing hijab in schools.

The law was passed with a large majority as only the opposition Green Party voted against it.

The legislation prohibits any head covering “in accordance with Islamic traditions,” including hijabs and burqas, in all schools.

It is expected to take full effect at the start of the new academic year in September. Ahead of implementation, February will mark a transition period during which teachers, parents, and students will be informed about the new rules, and no penalties will be imposed.

Repeated violations could result in fines for parents ranging from 150 to 800 euros ($175-$930). The government estimates that approximately 12,000 girls will be affected by the ban.

Austria’s conservative-led government introduced the law, citing the protection of girls from perceived oppression. Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm said that the measure aims to prevent girls from being “told that they must hide their body to protect themselves from the gaze of men.”

Earlier attempts to restrict headscarves in primary schools were struck down by the constitutional court in 2019. Critics and rights groups have labelled the new law as discriminatory, arguing it targets Muslim children and could deepen social divisions.