Austria has introduced a new law banning headscarves and other traditional Muslim head coverings for girls under 14 in schools as the new academic year begins.
The restriction applies to both public and private schools and has drawn criticism from Muslim organizations, opposition parties and some teachers.
Carla Amina Baghajati of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) said the organization firmly opposes the ban, arguing that it restricts religious freedom and disproportionately affects Muslim girls.
The IGGÖ has said it will support legal challenges by affected girls and their families, including cases brought before Austria’s Constitutional Court.
The legal challenge could be big because the Constitutional Court overturned an earlier headscarf ban in primary schools in 2020, ruling that it violated the principle of religious neutrality.
Under the new rules, teachers must address cases where students wear headscarves. The process begins with discussions involving the student and their legal guardians. Continued violations can lead to notification of child services, while guardians could eventually face fines of up to €800.
Some teachers have criticized the law, saying it places an additional enforcement burden on schools.
The opposition Green Party has accused the government of creating new conflicts and effectively asking teachers to take on a policing role.
The Austrian law differs from France’s restrictions on religious symbols in schools because the new measure specifically targets Muslim head coverings worn by girls under 14.
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