Austrian authorities seek another school ban on headscarves
The Austrian government is considering reinstating a ban on Muslim headscarves in schools, a move that has sparked debate and uncertainty. The current ruling party, the ÖVP (Austrian People's Party), is leading this initiative. If implemented, the law would require teachers to report girls who continue to wear headscarves in school, with repeat violations potentially resulting in fines of up to €1,000 for the parents of the offending girls. The interior ministry is set to draft the law, with a vote in the Austrian parliament to follow.
However, law professor Heinz Mayer has expressed doubt about the success of the proposed ban. He cites the narrow boundaries set by the Constitutional Court in their 2020 ruling, which declared a similar ban void due to infringement on 'freedom of religion.'
The enforcement of the proposed law is uncertain, as not a single fine was handed down under the old legislation while it was in force. The main challenge in implementing the ban is to draft a law that is not declared unconstitutional by the Federal Constitutional Court (VfGH).
The ban is estimated to affect 9,000 to 12,000 girls in Vienna, a city where almost 30% of youths under 19 have a migrant background, with the number reaching 54% in Vienna. The ban will apply to girls under the age of 14 in both public and private schools, including Islamic schools in Vienna.
It is worth noting that hijabs and other Muslim headgear on young girls are common in Austria's capital, Vienna. In 2019, a similar ban was introduced by the previous right-wing coalition government, but was later declared void by the Constitutional Court.
The decision on the ban could be made by the council of ministers later in September. The Austrian government is also planning to include 'accompanying measures' to help Muslim girls lead a 'self-determined and visible life.'
This proposed ban has raised concerns about the impact on the rights of Muslim girls in Austria and the challenges of balancing cultural and religious freedom with societal norms. The outcome of this issue will be closely watched by both Austrians and the international community.
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