Austria rolls out youth headscarf ban as schools reopen

Austria has formally imposed a ban on traditional Muslim head coverings for girls under 14 in public and private schools as the new term begins, part of a coalition drive for gender equality but drawing opposition from Muslim groups who warn it infringes religious freedom and may be unconstitutional; enforcement relies on teachers who will hold talks with students and guardians, with repeated violations triggering child-services involvement and fines up to €800; critics note the policy echoes broader anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe and that a prior headscarf ban in primary schools was struck down in 2020.