Austria’s Islamic Headscarf Ban in Force as Under-14s Go Back to School

Austria's Islamic headscarf ban in force as under-14s go back to school

The government says the law is intended to protect the rights of young girls, but critics say it is fuelling anti-Muslim feeling.

Austria’s Islamic headscarf ban in force as under-14s go back to school

Some teachers have expressed concerns about having to enforce the ban. The Green Party’s Sigi Maurer accused Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, from the liberal NEOS, of “creating new conflicts and offloading them onto the teachers”. She said teachers were “already under enormous strain” and that Wiederkehr wanted to “foist the role of police officers onto […]

Austria enforces school headscarf prohibition for young girls amidst intense legal and social opposition

A new legal measure prohibiting the wearing of headscarves by girls under the age of 14 in educational institutions has officially taken effect across Austria as the academic year commences. This regulation applies to both public and private schools nationwide, specifically targeting traditional Muslim head coverings such as hijabs and burkas. The government coalition, comprising […]