Summary
Austria's parliament has approved a law banning Muslim headscarves for girls under 14 in schools. The law, which takes effect in February, has faced criticism from rights groups and was supported by most political parties except the Greens. Parents will face fines if their children continue to wear headscarves at school.
Key Facts
- Austria's lower house passed a ban on headscarves for girls under 14 in schools.
- The new law passed with significant support and will start in February.
- Violators of the ban, mainly parents, could be fined between 150 and 800 euros.
- A similar law in 2019 was struck down for being discriminatory.
- The current government argues this version will withstand legal challenges.
- Rights groups, like Amnesty International, criticize the ban as increasing discrimination against Muslims.
- The Austrian government says about 12,000 girls will be impacted by the law.
- The Greens are the only party that opposed the legislation.
