The law banning hijab for children becomes final - implementation in two phases and high fines
Austria has passed a law banning children under 14 from wearing hijabs, following weeks of political controversy within the governing coalition. The law applies to all Austrian schools, both public and private, and defines the hijab according to Islamic traditions.
The ban includes all forms of Kinderkopftuch, from hijabs to burqas, and coalition parties have confirmed the constitutionality of the law to avoid previous legal challenges that invalidated earlier versions. The law comes as a result of an agreement between the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ).
The government announced a two-phase approach. The first phase begins after the end of the 2026 academic semester and focuses on raising awareness by informing schools, parents, and students about the law, while conducting individual conversations to address underlying issues and prevent any pressures or threats resulting from community surveillance.
The second phase begins in September 2026, when the law will be strictly enforced. Financial penalties for violations range from several hundred euros to over 1,000 euros to ensure compliance and protect girls.
Integration and Family Minister Claudia Plakholm (ÖVP) explained that the aim of the law is to protect girls from social pressures and to ensure their growth freely and their full emergence without fear. She emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards anyone who restricts the development of girls.