Crowds demonstrate in Vienna to protest proposed ban on hijab for under-14 school girls

Crowds demonstrate in Vienna to protest proposed ban on hijab for under-14 school girls
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Thousands of people demonstrated in Vienna on Saturday to protest a proposed plan to ban the wearing of the hijab in schools for girls under the age of 14, a move that has sparked broad political and social debate in Austria.

Protesters carried placards calling for freedom of belief and the right of girls to choose their clothing, arguing that the proposal targets a specific segment of society and restricts constitutionally protected religious freedoms. Demonstration organizers said such legislation could deepen social divisions rather than promote inclusion and cohesion within the education system.

Supporters of the proposal, however, have defended it as a measure aimed at protecting minors from social pressure and ensuring the neutrality of schools. They argue that the discussion is taking place within constitutional and legal frameworks and is intended to uphold equality in educational institutions.

The protest comes amid renewed debate in Austria over integration and education policies. Similar initiatives in previous years have prompted legal challenges and intense political controversy, making the current proposal the latest chapter in an ongoing national discussion over religious freedom and school neutrality.