Austria's proposed ban on hijabs for girls under 14 in schools has ignited nationwide protests, with thousands of students and families decrying the measure as an infringement on religious freedom. The legislation, approved by lawmakers on December 11, 2025, would impose fines up to $1,150 on parents of non-compliant children starting February 2026.
Critics argue the policy targets Muslim communities under the guise of "protecting girls from oppression," a claim challenged by 12-year-old Ruveyda Kedikli: "Many like me choose to wear it freely." Her mother Esma echoed concerns over state overreach, stating, "This violates our right to practice faith without fear."
The debate revisits Austria's 2019 attempt to ban headscarves in primary schools, which was overturned by constitutional courts. Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm defended the current proposal: "We cannot ignore patriarchal constraints hindering girls' development."
As protests grow, legal experts warn the ban could face similar constitutional challenges while deepening societal divisions. The outcome may set precedents for religious expression policies across Europe.
