Overview
- The proposal explicitly bans headscarves "which cover the head according to Islamic traditions," with the prohibition ending at a girl's 14th birthday.
- Implementation is set to begin with an awareness phase after the 2026 semester, with fines to follow from autumn 2026.
- Schools would start with parental consultations before administrative penalties of €150–€800, reduced from an earlier €1,000 cap after talks with the SPÖ.
- Government estimates suggest about 12,000 Muslim schoolgirls would be affected if the measure is enacted.
- Officials say the revamped design addresses past court objections, though critics foresee another Constitutional Court review, and Minister Wiederkehr says there is no Plan B.