In December 2025, which European country passed a law banning hijabs and burqas from being worn in schools by girls under 14?

In December 2025, Austria passed a significant law prohibiting the wearing of hijabs and burqas in schools for girls under the age of 14. This legislative move, approved by Austrian lawmakers on December 11, 2025, reflects a broader debate within European nations regarding religious symbols in public spaces and the integration of diverse communities. The conservative-led government, which championed the ban, stated its intention was to protect young girls from what it termed "oppression."

The law specifically targets headscarves and other forms of Islamic veils for girls attending all public and private schools up to the age of 14. While the full enforcement of the ban is slated to begin with the new school year in September 2026, an initial period starting in February 2026 will focus on informing educators, parents, and children about the new regulations. However, repeated non-compliance could lead to fines for parents, ranging from 150 to 800 euros. Approximately 12,000 girls are estimated to be affected by this new measure.

This is not the first time Austria has attempted such a ban. A previous law introduced in 2019, which prohibited headscarves for girls under 10, was ultimately struck down by the Constitutional Court, which deemed it discriminatory. The current legislation has similarly faced strong opposition from various groups, including the opposition Green Party, which voted against it on grounds of unconstitutionality. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and the official Islamic Religious Community in Austria have also voiced concerns, arguing that the ban constitutes discrimination against Muslim girls and risks exacerbating societal divisions.