Key facts
- Austria's ban on headscarves for girls under 14 in schools is now in effect.
- The law targets traditional Muslim head coverings in public and private schools.
- The government claims the ban promotes gender equality and protects young girls.
- Critics argue the ban infringes on religious freedom and fuels anti-Muslim sentiment.
- The Islamic Community in Austria intends to support legal challenges to the ban.
- Violations can lead to discussions with students and guardians, potentially resulting in fines up to €800.
Austria's ban on headscarves for girls under 14 has taken effect as the new school year commences. The legislation, passed by the ruling coalition with support from the far-right Freedom Party, applies to all public and private schools. Proponents argue the law is necessary to protect girls' freedom and promote gender equality, while critics, including the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGO), decry it as discriminatory and an infringement of fundamental rights. The IGGO has pledged to support legal challenges to the ban, which previously saw a similar law targeting under-10s ruled illegal by the Constitutional Court in 2020. Teachers are tasked with enforcing the ban, which may involve discussions with students and guardians, and could result in fines between €150 and €800 for repeated violations. Left-wing pupils' organizations have called for protests.