Austria school headscarf ban faces pupil resistance

Austria's ban on headscarves for girls under 14 in schools has met resistance from pupils, parents and campaigners since it took effect on September 1.

The conservative-led government says the measure promotes gender equality and protects Muslim girls from “segregation and oppression”. Critics say it disproportionately targets Muslims, restricts religious freedom and pressures girls to dress in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

The education ministry said authorities across Austria had held 127 meetings with parents and filed 52 reports over alleged breaches of the law. Opponents have also held protests across the country, with several hundred people attending each time.

The Islamic Religious Community in Austria, which is supporting legal action against the ban, said it had received around 70 reports from families about difficulties during implementation. The constitutional court said it had received a legal complaint, with a decision expected in the first half of 2027.

Schools must hold discussions with pupils and parents when girls refuse to comply before cases are referred to education authorities. Parents who continue to ignore the ban can ultimately be fined.

Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr said the number of meetings showed “the vast majority of pupils and parents are cooperative”. Vienna education authorities said discussions so far had given the impression that girls wished to wear headscarves of their own accord.