Austrian Minister of Integration considers stricter Islam law and hijab ban for girls

Austrian Minister of Integration, Claudia Plakolm, announced that she is considering tightening Austria’s Islam Law, emphasizing concerns regarding certain mosques in the country.

In an interview with the Austrian news agency (APA), Plakolm stated that the details of the proposed amendments are still under discussion, noting that the Austrian government aims to ensure more effective integration of Muslim communities in the country.

In a controversial move, Plakolm revealed plans to ban girls from wearing the hijab in schools up to the age of 14, stating, “We will not allow young girls to be oppressed.” She added that the hijab is mainly imposed in countries where radical Islamism is prevalent, affirming that she will continue consulting experts before making a final decision on the ban’s implementation.

Regarding integration programs, Plakolm stressed the necessity of making participation mandatory for refugees and asylum seekers, saying, “We need to clearly define our expectations, and there must be the possibility of imposing sanctions on those who do not comply. Otherwise, this program will have no impact.”