Girls under the age of 14 will not be allowed in school in the future headscarf wear more, the Austrian parliament decided last week. Otherwise, there will be sanctions from the 2026/27 school year: fines of up to 800 euros should be possible.

The Austrian government explains that it wants to ensure the “development of all students in the best interests of the child”. The law is necessary because young girls are put under pressure by their private environment. The headscarf is a sign of oppression.