The Austrian government has banned schoolchildren under the age of 14 from wearing the hijab or headscarf. The decision has sparked accusations of Islamophobia in the country. Human rights activists have condemned it.
The government claims that the new law is a "clear commitment" to gender equality. However, in 2020, a similar law was struck down by Austria's constitutional court as discriminatory against Muslims.
The new law will apply to girls in both public and private schools. School authorities will look into the matter and, if necessary, fine them up to 800 euros (about $940) if they break the law and wear the traditional Muslim headscarf.
Yannick Shetty, parliamentary leader of the liberal Neos party, a partner in the ruling coalition, claimed that the law was not against any religion. In his words, "it is a measure to protect the freedom of girls in this country."
The new law will apply to girls in both public and private schools. School authorities will look into the matter and, if necessary, impose a fine of up to 800 euros (about $940) if the traditional Muslim headscarf is worn in violation of the law. Shetty added that the ban will affect about 12,000 children. He claims that the hijab “sexualizes” girls.
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In 2018, the Austrian government banned the hijab for girls aged 6 to 10 in public schools. But the country’s constitutional court overturned the law in 2020.
The law is not against any religion. It is a measure to “protect girls’ freedom” in the country.
Yannick Shetty, parliamentary leader of the Neue party, a partner in Austria’s ruling coalition
The new ban has been strongly criticised by human rights organisation Amnesty International. The London-based international organisation has called the law an expression of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism.
The new ban has been strongly criticised by human rights organisation Amnesty International. The London-based international organisation has called the law an expression of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism.
Amnesty International said the new law creates clear discrimination against Muslim girls and is likely to further fuel existing prejudices and negative perceptions against Muslims.
The Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGOE), an organisation representing Muslims in Austria, also condemned the new law.
The new law clearly discriminates against Muslim girls and could further fuel existing prejudices and negative perceptions against Muslims.
IGGOE President Umit Bural said, “As a state-recognised religious community, we have a responsibility to our members. Therefore, we have an obligation to review any law that violates religious freedom to determine whether it is constitutional.”
Umit Bural added, “Children need protection, education and awareness—not symbolic politics. We reject coercion. We defend freedom.”
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