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 describes the law as a “clear commitment to gender equality,” while critics argue it could fuel anti-Muslim sentiment and may be unconstitutional.
The measure applies to girls in both public and private schools.
A similar headscarf restriction for girls under ten was struck down by the Constitutional Court in 2020 because it targeted Muslims in particular.
The new legislation forbids girls under the age of 14 from using “traditional Muslim” head coverings like burkas or hijabs.
Students who break the restriction will be subjected to a series of discussions with their legal guardians and school authorities.
The child and youth welfare agency must be informed when there are repeated violations. Families or guardians may be fined up to €800 (£700) as a last resort.
The measure, according to government officials, is intended to empower young girls and protect them “from oppression.”
Yannick Shetty, the parliamentary leader of the liberal Neos party, stated prior to the vote: “It is not a measure against a religion. It is a measure to protect the freedom of girls in this country,” adding that the ban would affect about 12,000 children.
The far-right opposition Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), which supported the ban, claimed it did not go far enough.
The party described the law as “a first step” and suggested it should be extended to all pupils and school staff.
Ricarda Berger, an FPÖ spokesperson for families, stated, “There needs to be a general ban on headscarves in schools; political Islam has no place here.”
The opposition Greens’ Sigrid Maurer described the legislation as “clearly unconstitutional.”
The ban, according to the official Islamic Community in Austria (IGGÖ), breaches fundamental rights and could cause social division. It declared: “Instead of empowering children, they will be stigmatised and marginalised.”
The IGGÖ added that it would review “the constitutionality of the law and take all necessary steps.” It also recalled that “The Constitutional Court already ruled unequivocally in 2020 that such a ban is unconstitutional, as it specifically targets a religious minority and violates the principle of equality.”
The government says it has tried to avoid that.
Shetty said: “Will it pass muster with the Constitutional Court? I don’t know. We have done our best.”
An awareness-raising trial period will begin in February 2026, with the ban fully coming into effect next September, at the start of the new school year.
