Austria’s parliament has approved landmark legislation prohibiting girls under age 14 from wearing traditional Muslim head coverings, including hijabs and burkas, in both public and private educational institutions. The controversial measure, backed by the center-right coalition government comprising the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos parties, takes effect following a phased implementation schedule beginning February 2026.
Government representatives champion the legislation as a progressive step toward gender equality and female empowerment. Yannick Shetty, parliamentary leader of the liberal Neos party, emphasized that the ban aims to protect young girls from potential oppression rather than target religious practices. Approximately 12,000 children are estimated to be affected by the new regulations.
Enforcement protocols establish a graduated response system: initial violations trigger mandatory discussions involving school authorities and legal guardians, while repeated non-compliance requires notification to child welfare agencies. The ultimate penalty involves fines up to €800 for families or guardians.
This legislative action revisits previous legal battles—Austria’s Constitutional Court overturned a similar 2020 ban targeting girls under 10 for specifically singling out Muslim practices. The current government asserts it has crafted the law to withstand constitutional scrutiny, though officials acknowledge potential judicial challenges.
The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) supported the ban while criticizing its limited scope, advocating for expanded prohibitions encompassing all students and school staff. Conversely, opposition Greens and Austria’s Islamic Community (IGGÖ) condemn the legislation as constitutionally questionable and socially divisive. The IGGÖ announced plans to evaluate the law’s constitutionality, citing the 2020 court precedent that found such bans violate equality principles and target religious minorities.
The measure has ignited intense debate regarding religious freedom, integration policies, and state intervention in cultural practices, reflecting broader European tensions surrounding Islamic symbols in public spaces.