Austria's School Headscarf Ban Takes Effect, Sparking Constitutional Court Challenge

Austria's ban on headscarves for girls under 14 took force on 1 September 2026, covering all public and private schools. It passed with votes from the far-right FPÖ, conservatives, Social Democrats, and liberals. Teachers must hold talks with noncompliant families; repeat violations can trigger child-services referral and fines up to €800. Austria's Islamic community vows a Constitutional Court challenge, citing a 2020 ruling that struck down a narrower ban.