Politics Austria: Headscarf ban until 14 in schools decided
Muslim girls in Austria will no longer be allowed to wear headscarves in schools until the age of 14. A corresponding amendment to the law was passed in parliament.
11.12.2025, 13:54
SDA
Family and Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm spoke in parliament of a historic step towards the protection of girls. The headscarf is not a harmless piece of cloth. "It is a sign of oppression", said the conservative politician (ÖVP). No girl in Austria should grow up having to hide her body, she argued.
The ban concerns the "headscarf, which covers the head according to Islamic traditions", as the text of the law states. It will come into force at the start of the 2026/2027 school year. An educational phase will begin in February to prepare schools for the new regulation.
Penalties of up to 800 euros
In the event of violations of the ban, the school management should first hold a discussion with the girl concerned and her parents. If the child continues to wear a headscarf, the parents must speak to the relevant school authorities. The ultimate measure is a fine of between 150 and 800 euros (140 to 749 francs).
The amendment to the law was passed with the votes of the governing parties - ÖVP, Social Democrats (SPÖ) and liberal NEOS. The opposition, right-wing populist FPÖ also supported the measure. The Greens are not fundamentally opposed to a headscarf ban, but they voted against this law, which they believe was not formulated in accordance with the constitution. A similar regulation by the ÖVP-FPÖ coalition in 2019 was overturned by the Constitutional Court. At the time, the ban was only intended for elementary school.
Why no ban on all religious headgear?
Among other things, the judges criticized the fact that the law was only aimed at Muslim girls and not at all religious head coverings. The current government is now arguing that the aim is to prevent gender-based oppression. This problem does not exist with the Jewish kippa or the Sikh patka, for example, they say. The Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) criticized the new ban because it stigmatizes children and weakens social cohesion. The IGGÖ announced that it would have the law reviewed under constitutional law.
