Austria enforces Islamic headscarf ban for girls under 14 in schools

Austria has introduced a law banning girls under the age of 14 from wearing Islamic headscarves in schools, which came into effect as the new school term began. The government argues the measure is designed to protect the rights and freedoms of young girls. However, critics and Muslim communities have pushed back against the legislation, warning it is stoking anti-Muslim sentiment in the country. The ban has sparked a broader debate about religious freedom, integration, and discrimination in Austria.