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submitted 1 week ago by Tango@piefed.ca to c/world@lemmy.world

Since 1 September, Austria has banned headscarves for female pupils under 14 at state and private schools. Repeated breaches of the rule could lead to fines of €150 to €800 for parents.

Since the start of the 2026/27 school year on 1 September, female pupils in Austria under the age of 14 have been prohibited from wearing any headscarf at school that "covers the head in line with Islamic traditions."

Teachers' representatives say the new rule has generally been implemented calmly and respectfully. At the same time, some schools have reported conflicts and, in some cases, aggressive reactions.

The new law was already controversial before it came into force, with critics questioning whether it was compatible with freedom of religion and the principle of equality.

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[-] itsjustachairmary@lemmy.world 22 points 6 days ago

Just let women decide what the fuck they want to wear. These laws do the opposite of that, and they are fully aware, because it has never been about women's rights to begin with. It has always been racism.

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[-] ZILtoid1991@lemmy.world 14 points 6 days ago

What about other traditions? Why single out Islam?

Continued singling out of Islam will lead to Christofascism, as Christianity will seem like an exceptional religion, incapable of anything bad.

[-] Agent641@lemmy.world 9 points 6 days ago

Yes the traditional headdress of Christians should be banned as well.

[-] FlyingCircus@lemmy.world 6 points 6 days ago

You’re joking, but an equivalent ban would be on wearing crosses, or removing distinct Christian architectural features like church and cathedral towers/bells.

[-] edible_funk@lemmy.world 5 points 6 days ago

Not really. The original intention of the head scarf isn't religious expression like wearing a cross is. It would be more like banning religious dress that forbids any exposed skin beneath the neck besides the hands like some christian cults do. The original reasoning for wearing a cross was to signal to other christians that you were a christian. What is the original reasoning for girls to cover their hair?

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[-] Agent641@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago

How would you ban religious architecture only for under-14 year olds?

[-] Psythik@lemmy.world 2 points 6 days ago

Seriously, just blanket ban all religious symbols and references—crosses, yarmulkes, star and crescent, head coverings, etc.—and call it a day. You go to school to learn, not to indoctrinate.

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[-] Avicenna@programming.dev 9 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

This will only help to marginalize different parts of the society. It is no different to pitting them against each other.

I am not a fan of headscarf on children, the whole philosophy of it is quite sickening to be honest. But I have seen enough to know this won't help girls become independent individuals who can think for themselves and don't submit all their life to other men.

[-] sunsofold@lemmy.zip 5 points 6 days ago

While religion itself is a disaster, this is unambiguously targetting one religion in particular and will not have positive effects.

[-] Jankatarch@lemmy.world 7 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Education and incomeAccording to the MIPEX Index, access barriers to the labor market for immigrants are relatively low but unemployment is significantly more common among Muslims than among the average population at large. Approximately 40% Muslims born in Austria leave school before age 17.

They wanna increase that to 70%

[-] Bubbaonthebeach@lemmy.ca 5 points 6 days ago

I thought girls weren't required by Islam to wear headscarfs until that age anyway?

[-] bigmamoth@lemmy.world 5 points 6 days ago

Some will say they aren't requires at all other will put it around the age of 3.

[-] Hawk@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 6 days ago

This is an assumption, but I guess this depends on exactly what Islam branch is being followed. Some are more extreme than others, so I guess those might force it.

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this post was submitted on 13 Sep 2026
256 points (97.8% liked)

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