Austria students resist school headscarf ban over targeting Muslims

Daily Sabah · Daily Sabah with AFP · 2026-10-15 09:29 UTC

A headscarf ban for girls under 14 has triggered widespread protests across Austria as the new school year begins, with dozens of students refusing to...

A headscarf ban for girls under 14 has triggered widespread protests across Austria as the new school year begins, with dozens of students refusing to comply in classrooms and on the streets.

Austria's conservative-led government has insisted the ban, introduced Sept. 1, promotes gender equality and protects Muslim girls from "segregation and oppression."

But critics argue it disproportionately targets Muslims, infringes upon religious freedom and is forcing young girls to dress in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

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