Bentz: Calls for a "serious review" of the ban on hijab in schools for girls under 14 years old
The Minister of European Affairs in Hesse, Manfred Pentz, sparked controversy after suggesting that Germany should seriously consider introducing a ban on wearing the hijab for girls under the age of fourteen in schools, similar to the planned measure in Austria. His statements, published by the Bild newspaper, have reignited the debate about the role of religion, freedom, and cultural traditions in German schools.
The Austrian government, led by the conservatives in the ÖVP party along with the Social Democratic Party SPÖ and the liberal Neos party, has introduced a bill that prohibits girls under the age of fourteen from wearing hijabs in schools. Bentez emphasized that Germany should not dismiss such an idea, clarifying that this regulation "should be taken seriously".
According to Bents, the proposal is not about excluding specific religions, but about ensuring that young girls have the complete freedom to grow without external pressures. He emphasized that schools are the most suitable place to instill the principles of openness, diversity, and freedom of religion, values that should also include children.
The minister expressed his concern that very young girls, still children, are increasingly observed wearing the hijab. He considered that the issue relates to protecting children's ability to make independent decisions as they mature, rather than restricting religious freedom of expression.
These statements have sparked an ongoing debate in Germany about how to balance cultural and religious traditions on one hand, and children's rights and integration policies on the other. While Austria is moving forward with its legislation, it remains to be seen whether Germany will take similar steps.