Austria issues first fines under new school mantilla ban

Austria has implemented a nationwide ban on the Islamic mantilla for female students under the age of 14 in both public and private schools. The regulation, which took effect on September 1, applies to school buildings and premises but excludes off-site activities such as field trips.

The first official enforcement occurred in the Neunkirchen district of Lower Austria, where a 13-year-old student repeatedly refused to remove her headscarf despite interventions from teachers, school administration, and educational authorities. Consequently, authorities reported the case, leading to the first administrative fine against the parents, which ranges from 150 to 800 euros.

Under the new law, repeated violations can trigger involvement from child protection services and may result in substitute imprisonment for parents for up to two weeks. The legislation was passed by a coalition of conservative, Social Democratic, Liberal, and FPÖ parties, with the Green Party being the sole opposition. Integration Minister Claudia Bauer described the measure as a ‘historic step’ against the oppression of underage girls. However, legal challenges are expected, with the Constitutional Court anticipated to review the matter by the first half of 2027.