Islamic Association in Austria Urges End to Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

Islamic Association in Austria Urges End to Anti-Muslim Rhetoric
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The Islamic Association in Austria has called on political leaders to immediately halt what it described as anti-Muslim policies and inflammatory rhetoric, following a social media post by a political party that drew widespread criticism. The appeal came in an official statement issued on Tuesday, expressing concern over the impact of such messaging on social cohesion.

The association said political communication carries a special responsibility, particularly when it concerns minority communities, warning that targeting a specific religious group could damage the broader social climate. The statement urged all political officials to refrain from language and actions that demean Muslims or contribute to discrimination.

In a separate open letter to the government, the president of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria, Ümit Vural, said Muslims were closely watching current political discourse, including debates on integration and a recently approved ban on headscarves for girls under the age of 14 in schools. He said such measures shape public perceptions and directly affect trust in state institutions and civic participation.

Vural stressed that generalisations directed at a legally recognised religious community undermine social unity and conflict with constitutional principles of equality and freedom of religion. The controversy followed a post by the Austrian People’s Party suggesting difficulties in coexistence with Muslims. Earlier court rulings have overturned similar headscarf bans, with rights groups warning that new restrictions risk deepening social divisions.