Austria: A ban on wearing headscarves in girls' schools has been adopted

The regulations were adopted by a coalition led by the conservative Austrian People's Party, which also includes social democratic and liberal parties. It was argued that it was an expression of commitment to gender equality and a measure to protect girls' rights. Integration Minister Claudia Bauer of the Austrian People's Party said the headscarf was a sign of oppression and a means of controlling girls from early childhood.

What are the penalties for breaking the ban?

If a student comes to school wearing a burqa or hijab, teachers must first conduct a series of interviews with the student and her legal representatives. However, if the situation persists, child protective services should be notified. A fine of up to €800 is foreseen as a last resort.

Opposition of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria

The official Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGOe) opposed the ban. Carla Amina Baghajati, a representative of the organization, said the restriction unjustifiably restricts the fundamental right to freedom of religion and disproportionately affects Muslim girls. The organization announced that it would support complaints filed by girls and their families "who believe that their fundamental rights are being violated" and want to bring the case to the Constitutional Tribunal.

The Supreme Court of Austria overturned the ban on wearing headscarves in primary schools in 2020. He found it to be contrary to the principle of religious neutrality in Austria.

"There is no place for political Islam in Austria"

The opposition, far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) believes that a broader ban should be introduced, covering both hair scarves and niqabs for both students and teachers. Ricarda Berger of FPOe said that "there is no place for political Islam in Austria, and certainly not in our schools."

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, leader of the OeVP, recently called for a constitutional ban on political Islam. In an interview for ORF, he stated that he "does not want to live in an Islamic state."

France has had a ban on wearing any visible religious symbols in schools for over 20 years, including headscarves, turbans and skullcaps. The new Austrian law differs from the French one in that it applies only to Muslim women.