Austria’s parliament has approved a nationwide ban on Islamic headscarves for schoolgirls under 14, drawing criticism from rights groups who call it discriminatory. In 2019 the country introduced a ban on headscarves in primary schools, but the constitutional court struck it down
Austrian lawmakers voted by a large majority in favour of a law banning headscarves in schools for girls under 14. File Pic
Austrian lawmakers on Thursday voted by a large majority in favour of a law banning headscarves in schools for girls under 14, a move rights groups and experts say is discriminatory and could deepen societal division.
Austria's conservative-led government -- under pressure with anti-immigration sentiment is running high -- proposed the ban earlier this year, arguing it is aimed at protecting girls "from oppression".
In 2019 the country introduced a ban on headscarves in primary schools, but the constitutional court struck it down.
This time the government insists that its law is constitutional, though experts have suggested it could be seen as discriminating against one religion -- Islam -- and putting children in an uncomfortable position.
The law prevents girls younger than 14 from wearing headscarves that "cover the head in accordance with Islamic traditions" in all schools.
After a debate Thursday, only the opposition Green party voted against the ban.
Ahead of the vote, lawmaker Yannick Shetty of the liberal NEOS said the headscarf "is not just an item of clothing" but "sexualises girls".
"When a girl... is told that she must hide her body... to protect herself from the gaze of men, it's not a religious ritual, but oppression," Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm said when presenting the bill.
The ban, which applies to "all forms" of the Islamic veil including hijabs and burqas, would take full effect with the start of the new school year in September, Plakolm said.
From February, an initial period would be launched during which the new rules would be explained to educators, parents and children with no penalties for breaking them.
But for repeated non-compliance, parents would face fines ranging from 150 to 800 euros ($175-930).
The government said that about 12,000 girls would be affected by the new law.
'Stigmatised'
Rights groups and activists have long argued that banning headscarves still amounts to telling a woman what to wear, instead of allowing her the freedom to decide on her own.
Organisations including Amnesty International Austria have criticised the bill.
Amnesty said it "constitutes blatant discrimination against Muslim girls" and described it as an "expression of anti-Muslim racism".
Such measures risk "fuelling existing prejudices and stereotypes against Muslims", the group warned.
The draft law has also drawn criticism from the IGGOe, the body officially recognised as representing the country's Muslim communities.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
