Austria approves headscarf ban for girls under 14

Austria has approved a new law prohibiting girls under 14 from wearing headscarves in schools, a move the governing coalition—made up of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos—describes as a firm stance on gender equality. However, critics argue the law risks inflaming anti-Muslim sentiment and may be unconstitutional.

The ban applies to both public and private schools and targets “traditional Muslim” coverings such as the hijab and burka. A similar law enacted in 2020 for girls under 10 was overturned by the Constitutional Court for singling out Muslims.

Under the new legislation, students who violate the rule must undergo discussions with school officials and their guardians. Persistent breaches could lead to involvement from child welfare authorities, and families may ultimately face fines of up to €800 (£700).

Supporters of the law frame it as a protective measure for young girls. Neos parliamentary leader Yannick Shetty insisted the policy is about safeguarding freedom, not opposing a religion, estimating that roughly 12,000 students would be affected.

The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) backed the ban but said it should go further, calling for a universal headscarf ban for all students and school staff and arguing that “political Islam has no place” in Austrian schools.

Opponents, including the Greens, say the law is “clearly unconstitutional.” The Islamic Community in Austria (IGGÖ) condemned the measure as a violation of fundamental rights that will stigmatise Muslim girls. The group plans to challenge the law, noting the Constitutional Court’s earlier ruling against a similar ban.

The government says it has attempted to avoid past legal pitfalls but cannot guarantee the law will withstand judicial review. An awareness campaign will begin in February 2026, with full enforcement scheduled for September 2026, the start of the next school year.