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On Thursday, the Austrian parliament overwhelmingly approved a law that bans headscarves in schools for girls under 14, a decision critics and human rights advocates say is discriminatory and could further divide society.
The conservative-led government, which faces mounting anti-immigrant sentiments, introduced the ban earlier this year, claiming its purpose is to shield young girls from oppression.
Austria previously attempted to ban headscarves in primary schools in 2019; however, the constitutional court nullified that law. This new legislation is touted by officials as constitutional, though experts argue it may discriminate against Muslims and place young girls in uncomfortable positions.
The law restricts girls under 14 from wearing head coverings that “cover the head following Islamic traditions” in any educational setting. During debate, only the opposition Green Party voted against the measure.
Prior to the vote, NEOS lawmaker Yannick Shetty stated that the headscarf isn’t just clothing but contributes to the sexualization of girls. Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm explained that telling girls to hide their bodies “to protect themselves from male gaze” isn’t a religious act but a form of oppression.
The ban encompasses all Islamic veils, including hijabs and burqas, and will be fully enforced beginning in September with the start of the new school year. An initial period, starting in February, will train and inform educators, parents, and students, without penalties. However, persistent non-compliance could result in fines from about $175 to $930.
The government estimates roughly 12,000 girls will be affected by the new law.
Rights organizations and activists have argued that banning headscarves essentially controls what women can wear over their heads and denies them autonomy. Amnesty International Austria criticized the bill, branding it as blatant discrimination and a manifestation of anti-Muslim racism, warning that such measures risk fueling negative stereotypes.
The draft law has also faced criticism from IGGÖ, Austria’s official Muslim community representative body, which said the law threatens social cohesion and stigmatizes rather than supports young people.
Angelika Atzinger of the Amazon Women’s Rights Group said a headscarf ban sends the wrong message by implying decisions about girls’ bodies are legitimate social or political issues. Her stance reflects that of SOS Mitmensch, an anti-racism organization opposing the legislation.
Conversely, Austria’s far-right Freedom Party advocates for extending the ban beyond students to include teachers and staff, arguing that the law should be more comprehensive.
In France, since 2004, laws prohibit students from wearing religious symbols, such as headscarves, turbans, or Jewish skullcaps, in public schools to uphold secularism and neutrality in state institutions.
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