Since 1 September, Austria has banned headscarves for female pupils under 14 at state and private schools. Repeated breaches of the rule could lead to fines of €150 to €800 for parents.

Since the start of the 2026/27 school year on 1 September, female pupils in Austria under the age of 14 have been prohibited from wearing any headscarf at school that “covers the head in line with Islamic traditions.”

Teachers’ representatives say the new rule has generally been implemented calmly and respectfully. At the same time, some schools have reported conflicts and, in some cases, aggressive reactions.

The new law was already controversial before it came into force, with critics questioning whether it was compatible with freedom of religion and the principle of equality.

  • Zacryon@feddit.org
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    9 hours ago

    Legally dictating that children are slightly less forced into superstitious habits?

    Seems perfectly fine to me.

    • Nalivai@lemmy.world
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      55 minutes ago

      Forcing kids to wear specific item of clothing, or forcing kids to not wear specific item of clothing is the same superstitious habit, just with a different superstition behind it.