Austria plans headscarf ban for schoolgirls under 14

Austria's ruling coalition announced plans to introduce a controversial ban on headscarves for girls under the age of 14 in schools, despite strong opposition from rights groups and the possibility that the measure could be overturned by the Constitutional Court.

The conservative-led government, which took office in March after the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) won the largest share of votes in last year’s parliamentary elections, is prioritising the fight against illegal immigration. Critics, however, argue that this stance stokes anti-Muslim sentiment. The proposed headscarf ban is a significant element of the government's broader agenda, Reuters writes. 

The coalition, made up of three centrist parties, intends to bring the legislation to the lower house for discussion this week. If passed, the measure would impact approximately 12,000 girls, according to Yannick Shetty, the parliamentary leader of the liberal Neos party.

Shetty defended the ban, saying, “It is not a measure against a religion. It is a measure to protect the freedom of girls in this country.”

The Islamic Religious Community in Austria, which represents the country's Muslims, has condemned the proposed ban, calling it a violation of fundamental rights. The FPO, which has voiced support for the ban, sees it as a "first step" towards expanding restrictions to include all students and school staff.

Human rights organisations have also voiced strong objections. Amnesty International warned that implementing the ban as currently proposed would “not empower girls—on the contrary, it will add to the current racist climate towards Muslims.”

The Austrian Constitutional Court previously struck down a similar law in 2020, which would have prohibited headscarves for girls under 10. The court ruled that the law targeted Muslims and violated the principle of religious neutrality, a stance that would require special justification.

While acknowledging the possibility of the law being struck down, Shetty remains hopeful that the current version of the bill will pass legal scrutiny.

“Will it pass muster with the Constitutional Court? I don’t know. We have done our best,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli