Austrian Parliament Bans Headscarves for
Girls Under 14: A Stark Discrimination Against Muslims
On Thursday, the Austrian Parliament approved a bill
banning the wearing of headscarves in schools for girls under the age of 14, a
move that has sparked criticism from human rights activists and experts, who
described it as discriminatory and deepening societal divisions.
The law was passed by an overwhelming majority, while
the opposition Green Party voted against it, despite warnings regarding its
unconstitutionality and targeting of Muslims.
This legislation follows a previous decision by the
Constitutional Court to annul a similar 2019 law that prohibited headscarves in
elementary schools, which was deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Austrian Minister of Integration Claudia Plakolm
stated that the new ban covers “all forms of headscarves that cover the
head according to Islamic tradition” in all schools, and that full
implementation will begin with the start of the new academic year in September.
She described the headscarf as “not a religious practice, but a form of
oppression.”
Meanwhile, the far-right Austrian Freedom Party called
for expanding the ban to include all students, teachers, and staff, arguing
that the current law is insufficient.
In contrast, Amnesty International described the law
as “a stark form of discrimination against Muslim girls” and “an
expression of anti-Muslim racism.”
Angelika Atsinger, director of the women’s rights
advocacy organization AMAZONE, emphasized that the ban “sends a message to
girls that decisions are being made about their bodies, and that this is deemed
acceptable.”
The anti-racism organization SOS Mitmensch also
opposed the law, while the Islamic Community in Austria firmly rejected
“all forms of coercion,” announcing its intention to challenge the
law before the Constitutional Court. They stressed that the ban violates the
fundamental rights and freedoms of children wishing to wear the headscarf
according to their beliefs.
A trial period will begin next February to explain the
new rules to teachers, parents, and children without imposing penalties on
violators. However, in case of repeated violations, fines ranging from €150 to
€800 (approximately $175 to $940) will be imposed. The government announced
that around 12,000 girls will be affected by the new law.
(Source: Agencies)
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