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Austria bans headscarves in schools for girls under 14
BBC News··7 Sept
A law banning traditional Muslim head coverings in schools for girls under 14 took effect in Austria as the new school year began. Integration Minister Claudia Bauer of the ÖVP called the headscarf a sign of oppression. The Islamic Community in Austria said it would support legal challenges by families. Critics say the law singles out Muslim girls.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Girls under 14 in Austrian public and private schools may no longer wear hijabs or burkas under the new law.
- The Islamic Community in Austria said the ban restricts freedom of religion.
- Families who believe their rights are infringed may bring cases before the Constitutional Court.
What's Happening
- The conservative-led coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos passed the law.
- Ministers said the measure protects gender equality and young girls' rights.
- Carla Amina Baghajati of the Islamic Community told the BBC the organisation firmly opposes the ban.
School dress rules for young girls in Austria
- Austria's integration debate
- The law forbids traditional Muslim head coverings in schools nationwide.
- Supporters frame it as a commitment to gender equality for young girls.
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