Austria’s new school year has begun with a ban on headscarves for girls under the age of 14 now in force across public and private schools.
The legislation prohibits what it describes as traditional Muslim head coverings, including the hijab and burka. The government says the measure is intended to promote gender equality and protect young girls from social pressure and control.
Integration Minister Claudia Bauer of the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) described the headscarf as a potential “sign of oppression” and a means of controlling girls from an early age.
The ban, introduced by the governing coalition of the ÖVP, Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and liberal NEOS, has faced criticism from Muslim organisations and opposition groups. Critics argue that it could fuel anti-Muslim sentiment and may face constitutional challenges.
Carla Amina Baghajati of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) said the organisation strongly opposes the legislation, arguing that it disproportionately affects Muslim girls and restricts their freedom of religion.
The IGGÖ has said it will support girls and their families who wish to challenge the law before Austria’s Constitutional Court. The court previously struck down a similar headscarf ban in primary schools in 2020, ruling that it conflicted with the country’s principle of religious neutrality.
Under the new rules, teachers are expected to address violations through discussions with students and their legal guardians. Repeated violations could lead to the involvement of child services, while guardians could ultimately face fines of up to €800.
Some teachers have also raised concerns about being responsible for enforcing the legislation. Green Party politician Sigi Maurer accused Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr of placing additional pressure on teachers and effectively asking them to take on a policing role.
Meanwhile, Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) has called for a broader ban covering headscarves and face coverings worn by both students and teachers.
The Austrian measures have also renewed debate over religious symbols in European schools. France, for example, has prohibited conspicuous religious symbols in public schools for more than two decades, while several European countries have restrictions on full-face veils in public places.
The Austrian law differs from France’s approach by specifically targeting head coverings associated with Muslim women.
Baghajati warned that the legislation reflects a wider European trend of addressing complex social issues through measures targeting minority communities, arguing that such policies risk creating division without addressing the underlying challenges.