Austria implements headscarf ban for female students under 14

Austria has implemented a new ban on headscarves for female pupils under the age of 14 in both state and private schools. Effective as of 1 September 2026, the law prohibits head coverings that align with Islamic traditions.

The government maintains that the policy aims to protect children's individual development and shield them from social or familial pressure. However, the measure has reignited national debates regarding religious freedom and equality. This follows a 2020 ruling by Austria's Constitutional Court (VfGH), which overturned a previous ban on religious head coverings for younger children on the grounds that it violated equality and religious freedom principles.

Enforcement is a multi-stage process. Teachers are tasked with first asking pupils to remove the headscarf. If the pupil refuses, education authorities may be involved. Repeated non-compliance can lead to administrative penalty proceedings, with parents or guardians potentially facing fines ranging from €150 to €800. While teacher representatives report a generally calm implementation, some schools have experienced disputes and aggressive reactions.