Austria has introduced a nationwide ban on the wearing of hijab by female students under the age of 14 in schools, with the new restriction taking effect Monday across the country, including the capital Vienna.
The Austrian parliament passed legislation last December imposing the restriction on Muslim girls below the age of 14. Supporters of the law argued that wearing the hijab at such a young age could undermine girls’ freedom and autonomy.
Nearly all lawmakers from the three parties forming Austria’s governing coalition voted in favour of the legislation.
Following its passage, the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) strongly opposed the measure, arguing that it violates human rights protected under the Austrian Constitution. The organisation subsequently filed a petition with Austria’s Constitutional Court challenging the law.
However, the Constitutional Court rejected the petition in July. The court said the Austrian Constitution does not support measures that encourage discrimination among citizens.
Speaking to Austrian national broadcaster ORF on Monday, Austria’s education minister said the government had carefully reviewed the legislation before presenting it to parliament.
“We examined it very closely before the bill was introduced and made every effort to ensure that it would not conflict with the Constitution,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Austria’s left-wing parties have condemned the new law and called for protests against the government’s decision.
The measure is likely to remain a subject of debate over religious freedom, children’s rights and the role of religious symbols in Austria’s public schools.
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