Austria bans headscarves for girls under 14 in schools
Austrian lawmakers have brought into force a law that forbids traditional Muslim head coverings, including hijabs and burkas, for girls under 14 in public and private schools as the new school year begins. The centrist coalition government frames the measure as a commitment to gender equality, while the official Islamic Community in Austria (IGGÖ) and other critics say it disproportionately restricts freedom of religion and risks fuelling anti-Muslim feeling. The law requires teachers to hold talks with students and guardians, can lead to child services involvement for repeat cases, and allows fines of up to €800 for guardians, and legal challenges are expected.
The law forbids Muslim head coverings for girls under 14 in Austrian schools.
Context
The law took effect at the start of the school year. A 2020 court ruling struck down a similar primary school ban. The IGGÖ plans to support legal challenges and the constitutional court may decide next.
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