Vienna: Austria’s parliament has passed a controversial law that will ban girls under the age of 14 from wearing headscarves in schools. The measure, championed by the conservative-led coalition government, has been immediately met with criticism, with opponents arguing it is discriminatory and likely unconstitutional.
The coalition, comprising the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos parties, framed the law as a "clear commitment to gender equality" and a measure to protect young girls "from oppression". Yannick Shetty, parliamentary leader of the liberal Neos party, said it was "a measure to protect the freedom of girls in this country," and estimated the ban would affect around 12,000 children.
However, the decision is a blanket ban and does not purport to ascertain whether the headscarf is worn by girls on their own free will or by force, though the stated intention is protection of young girls from oppression.
The new law applies to girls in both public and private schools and specifically forbids "traditional Muslim" head coverings. Should a student violate the ban, a series of discussions will be held with school authorities and legal guardians. Repeated violations could lead to the involvement of the child and youth welfare agency and, as a last resort, fines for guardians of up to €800 (£700).
An awareness-raising trial period is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with the ban coming into full force at the start of the new school year in September 2026.
The legislation faces significant opposition and a probable legal challenge. The official Islamic Community in Austria (IGGÖ) condemned the ban, stating it violates fundamental rights and would "stigmatise and marginalise" children rather than empower them. The group confirmed it would review the law's constitutionality, referencing a 2020 Constitutional Court ruling that struck down a similar ban for under-10s because it specifically targeted Muslims.
Sigrid Maurer from the opposition Greens also described the new law as "clearly unconstitutional". The government has acknowledged the legal uncertainty, with Shetty admitting, "Will it pass muster with the Constitutional Court? I don't know. We have done our best."
The opposition far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which voted in favour of the bill, argued it did not go far enough, calling it a "first step" towards a general ban on headscarves for all pupils and staff.