❓WHAT HAPPENED: A law banning headscarves in schools for girls under 14 years old has been passed in Austria.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The conservative-led coalition government, the opposition Freedom Party (FPÖ), and the Islamic Community in Austria (IGGÖ).
📍WHEN & WHERE: The law will take effect in September 2026, following a trial period beginning February 2026, in Austria’s public and private schools.
💬KEY QUOTE: “It is not a measure against a religion. It is a measure to protect the freedom of girls in this country.” – Yannick Shetty, Neos party parliamentary leader.
🎯IMPACT: Critics argue the law is unconstitutional and discriminatory, while supporters claim it protects young girls.
Austria has approved new legislation that will prohibit girls under the age of 14 from wearing Islamic headscarves in both public and private schools, with full enforcement scheduled for September 2026. The conservative-led government says the ban covers “traditional Muslim” garments, including hijabs and burkas. A hijab generally refers to a headscarf that leaves the face visible, while a burka is a full-body covering with a mesh screen over the face, often associated with more stringent interpretations of modesty.
Supporters of the law argue that it promotes personal liberty for young girls who may face family or cultural pressure to dress in a particular way. Yannick Shetty of the liberal Neos party defended the measure, stating, “It is not a measure against a religion. It is a measure to protect the freedom of girls in this country.” Government estimates suggest roughly 12,000 children will be affected once the rules take effect. Officials say the law has been drafted to avoid the constitutional issues that sank a similar 2020 ban on headscarves for girls under 10, which the Constitutional Court overturned for targeting a specific religious group. A trial period focused on awareness-raising is set to begin in February 2026.
The Islamic Community in Austria (IGGÖ) has strongly criticized the legislation, arguing that it infringes on fundamental rights and will harm rather than help the children it claims to protect. In a statement, the organization warned, “Instead of empowering children, they will be stigmatised and marginalised,” and confirmed plans to challenge the law in court.
The populist Freedom Party (FPÖ), while voting in favor, argued the government’s approach is too limited. FPÖ spokesman Ricarda Berger said the party wants broader restrictions, insisting, “There needs to be a general ban on headscarves in schools; political Islam has no place here.”
Austria’s move comes as several European countries continue to debate or propose their own limitations on Islamic face coverings. In Italy, lawmakers have advanced proposals to ban burkas and niqabs in all public spaces as part of a larger initiative aimed at countering Islamic “separatism.” The Italian plan includes fines and additional oversight of religious funding.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.
