Political Deadlock in Austria Over Proposed Hijab Ban for Girls

Political Deadlock in Austria Over Proposed Hijab Ban for Girls
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Austria’s government plan to ban the hijab for girls under 14 has reached a political stalemate after the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) announced its opposition, saying it would not support any legislation that violates the country’s constitution.

According to The Guardian, the proposed law would extend the existing headscarf ban to all public and private schools up to the eighth grade. It also includes penalties for parents, who could face fines of up to €1,000 or 14 days in jail if their daughters wear the hijab in school.

The measure, seen as a revival of the right-wing policy first introduced in 2019, has sparked strong criticism from the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ) and legal experts. They argue that the proposal is discriminatory and violates the religious freedom and equality rights of Muslim girls.

The SPÖ’s opposition has effectively blocked the legislation for now, deepening Austria’s political divide over issues of religion, integration, and minority rights.