Austria passed a legal amendment Thursday prohibiting Muslim girls under 14 from wearing headscarves in schools, a move sharply criticized by the Islamic Religious Community in Austria for stigmatizing children and weakening social cohesion, with the group pledging to challenge the law on constitutional grounds.
The ban applies to "headscarves that cover the head in accordance with Islamic traditions," according to the text of the law, which will come into force at the start of the 2026/2027 school year.
This includes coverings such as headscarves or burqas. An "information phase" will begin in February to prepare schools for the new regulation.
In the event of violations, the school management should first hold a meeting with the girl concerned and her parents.
If the child continues to wear a headscarf, the parents must speak to the relevant school authority. As a last resort, fines of up to €800 ($931) may be imposed.
