Austrian Parliament Passes Headscarf Ban for Girls Under 14

Austria’s National Council has approved a controversial headscarf ban for girls under 14 in schools, receiving broad cross-party support. The law prohibits Islamic head coverings in all public and private schools, with fines ranging from €150 to €800 starting in the 2026/27 academic year, affecting an estimated 12,000 girls. The Austrian Islamic Religious Community plans to appeal the legislation, citing constitutional and human rights concerns, while critics argue it risks marginalizing Muslim girls. The Greens were the only party to oppose the bill, warning it may face judicial challenges similar to a previous ban struck down in 2020.

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