Austria announces ban on headscarves in schools for under-14s

Austria has announced a ban on headscarves in schools for under-14s, sparking accusations of Islamophobia.

The government described the new law as a "clear commitment to gender equality" despite a previous law being struck down by the Constitutional Court in 2020 for discriminating against Muslims.

The new law, which will apply to girls in both public and private schools, bans the wearing of "traditional Muslim" coverings. Violations could result in the involvement of school authorities, leading up to a potential fine of €800 ($940).

Yannick Shetty, the parliamentary leader of the liberal Neos party, a member of the ruling coalition, said the legislation was "not a measure against a religion" but instead a "measure to protect the freedom of girls in this country".

Shetty said the ban would affect about 12,000 children, claiming that the headscarf "sexualises girls".

In 2018, the Austrian government introduced a ban on the hijab for girls aged six to 10 in public schools before it was struck down in 2020.

Amnesty International criticised the latest ban as Islamophobic and an "expression of anti-Muslim racism".

It said the new law "constitutes blatant discrimination against Muslim girls" and risked "fuelling existing prejudices and stereotypes against Muslims".

The Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGOe), the body officially recognised as representing Austrian Muslims, also condemned the new law.

“As a state-recognised religious community, we bear responsibility for our members. We are therefore obligated to have every law that infringes on religious freedom reviewed for constitutionality,” said IGGOe president Umit Vural.

“Children need protection, education and enlightenment, not symbolic politics. We reject coercion. We defend freedom. Both simultaneously, for every child.”