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Austria Unveils Draft School Headscarf Ban for Girls Under 14

The plan now moves to parliament, with likely court scrutiny after a similar 2020 measure was annulled.

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In österreichischen Schulen sollen nur noch Mädchen über 14 Jahren ein Kopftuch tragen dürfen
Österreich plant u. a. ein Kopftuchverbot für Mädchen unter 14 Jahren.

Overview

  • The ÖVP–SPÖ–Neos government presented a proposal prohibiting girls younger than 14 from wearing headscarves in schools and other educational institutions.
  • Officials outlined a stepped approach to enforcement, starting with talks with the pupil, escalating to parental involvement and youth services, and culminating in administrative penalties.
  • Repeat violations could bring fines of €200 to €1,000 or substitute imprisonment, according to the draft.
  • The measure is confined to educational settings and does not apply in public spaces, as ministers say a broader restriction would likely not withstand judicial review.
  • Muslim organizations and youth representatives criticized the plan as discriminatory, and constitutional experts questioned its viability given the court’s 2020 ruling striking down a prior ban.