Austria has officially enforced a law banning Islamic headscarves for girls under the age of 14 in both public and private schools, with the measure taking effect as the new academic year began on September 7, 2026.
The law targets traditional Muslim head coverings, including hijabs and burkas. Integration Minister Claudia Bauer defended the measure, describing the headscarf as a symbol of control and arguing that the ban is aimed at protecting young girls and promoting gender equality.
However, the Official Islamic Community in Austria (IGGÖ) strongly criticised the law, arguing that it violates religious freedom and unfairly targets Muslim students. The group has pledged to support legal challenges before the Constitutional Court, which previously overturned a similar ban in primary schools in 2020.
Under the new rules, teachers are required to engage students and their guardians in discussions over violations. Continued non-compliance could result in intervention by child services and fines of up to €800 for parents.
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