Austrian parliament backs headscarf ban for girls under 14 in all schools

Austrian lawmakers on Thursday voted by a large majority in favour of a law banning headscarves in schools for girls under 14, a measure rights groups and experts say is discriminatory and risks deepening social division. The conservative-led government proposed the legislation earlier this year, arguing it aims to protect girls “from oppression” at a time of high anti-immigration sentiment.

In 2019, Austria introduced a primary school headscarf ban, but the constitutional court later struck it down. This time, the government insists the new law is constitutional, though experts warn it could be interpreted as targeting one religion – Islam – and placing children in an uncomfortable position.

Details of the new ban

The law prevents girls younger than 14 from wearing headscarves that “cover the head in accordance with Islamic traditions” in all schools. After a debate in parliament, only the opposition Green party voted against the measure.

NEOS lawmaker Yannick Shetty said ahead of the vote that the headscarf “is not just an item of clothing” but “sexualises girls”. Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm, presenting the bill, said that when a girl is told she must hide her body “to protect herself from the gaze of men”, it amounts to oppression rather than religious practice.

The ban applies to “all forms” of the Islamic veil, including hijabs and burqas. It is set to take full effect at the start of the school year in September. An introductory phase beginning in February will explain the rules to staff, parents and pupils without penalties. For repeated non-compliance, parents could face fines ranging from €150 to €800. The government estimates that around 12,000 girls will be affected.

Criticism from rights groups

Rights organisations have argued that banning headscarves denies girls the freedom to decide what to wear. Amnesty International Austria criticised the law as “blatant discrimination against Muslim girls” and an “expression of anti-Muslim racism”. The group warned it could fuel prejudices and stereotypes.

The IGGOe, the officially recognised body representing Austria’s Muslim communities, said the ban “jeopardises social cohesion” and risks leaving children “stigmatised and marginalised”.

Angelika Atzinger of the Amazone women’s rights association said the ban sends girls the message that decisions about their bodies are made by others. Her comments were published by the anti-racism group SOS Mitmensch, which also opposes the law.

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Opposition from different sides

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) argued that the law does not go far enough, calling for it to be extended to all students, teachers and staff.

France implemented similar restrictions in 2004, banning signs of religious affiliation such as headscarves, turbans and Jewish skullcaps in schools under its secularism laws.