A ban on headscarves for schoolgirls up to the age of 14 was passed in the National Council. Criticism comes from the Islamic Religious Community of Austria (IGGÖ), which has announced a complaint to the Constitutional Court.
AUSTRIA. The National Council has dealt with several reforms and changes in the past few days. In addition to innovations in the tobacco law, it was also decided to introduce a ban on headscarves for schoolgirls up to the age of 14.
The measure should apply from the coming second semester (school year 2026/27). Before the ban applies, an educational phase is planned. My district reported:
Controversial headscarf ban for girls up to 14 is fixed
However, the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) has strongly criticized the decision. “We strictly reject any coercion, while at the same time we defend the right of those children who want to wear a headscarf out of their own conviction,” the community announced on Thursday afternoon. Blanket bans would encroach on fundamental rights and freedoms and affect those who voluntarily engage in religious practice.
Check the law constitutionally
“No child should be forced to wear a headscarf, that is unchangeable for us. But no child should be prevented from living their religious identity voluntarily by state bans,” said IGGÖ President Ümit Vural.
As a state-recognized religious community, one would have responsibility for the members. Since the new regulation raises constitutional and human rights concerns, the IGGÖ would turn to the Constitutional Court to have the law examined. “Children need protection, education and enlightenment, not symbolic politics. We reject coercion. We defend freedom. Both at the same time, for every child,” it concludes.
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