Austria’s parliament approves controversial headscarf ban for girls under 14

Austria’s National Council on Thursday approved a controversial headscarf ban for girls under 14 in schools with broad cross-party support, Anadolu reports. The measure prohibits head coverings worn “according to Islamic traditions” in all public and private schools, Austrian news agency ORF reported. School events outside school grounds are excluded. Sanctions, including fines between €150 and €800, may be imposed starting in the 2026/27 academic year. The government estimates around 12,000 girls could be affected. Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (OVP) described the headscarf as “a symbol of oppression,” arguing that the law was necessary to safeguard children. OVP leaders stressed that enforcement would not fall on teachers, who would only be required to inform school administrations. The NEOS party backed the bill, […]