Austria has introduced a new legislative proposal that would ban schoolgirls under the age of 14 from wearing the hijab, with fines ranging from €150 to €1,000 for violations along with other administrative penalties.
Austria previously attempted a similar ban in 2019, but the measure was struck down by the Constitutional Court, which ruled that the restriction was discriminatory and unconstitutional.
In response, the government has revised the bill, aiming to introduce amendments that cannot be overturned by the court this time. The updated draft will be presented in parliament today for debate and approval.
If approved, the ban will apply to all girls under 14 wearing headscarves in schools, potentially affecting an estimated 12,000 students.
Officials say that before the law is enforced, there will be a nationwide awareness and consultation campaign involving school administrations, parents, and children.
If parliament passes the legislation with a majority vote, the ban will come into effect at the start of the 2026–27 academic year.
Under the proposed law, violations could lead to fines of up to €1,000 or additional administrative action. However, authorities say that initial cases will focus on counseling parents and attempting to resolve matters cooperatively.
