Austria has passed a new law banning girls under 14 from wearing headscarves in both public and private schools. The law targets traditional Muslim head coverings like hijabs and burkas. This move is said to be a "clear commitment to gender equality," according to the conservative-led coalition of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos parties. The ban follows a 2020 court ruling that stopped a similar ban for girls under 10, calling it unconstitutional for targeting Muslims. The law requires discussions with school authorities and guardians if a girl wears a headscarf. Repeated violations may lead to involvement of child welfare agencies, and fines up to €800 (£700) could be imposed on families. Yannick Shetty, parliamentary leader of the Neos party, said, "It is not a measure against a religion. It is a measure to protect the freedom of girls in this country," adding that about 12,000 children will be affected. The far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), which supported the ban, called it "a first step," wanting a broader ban for all pupils and staff, with FPÖ spokesperson Ricarda Berger stating, "Political Islam has no place here." Opposition voices include Sigrid Maurer from the Greens, who called the law "clearly unconstitutional," and the Islamic Community in Austria (IGGÖ), which said the ban violates fundamental rights and risks stigmatizing Muslim children. The IGGÖ also noted the 2020 Constitutional Court ruling against similar laws and plans to challenge this new law. Shetty admitted uncertainty about court approval, saying, "Will it pass muster with the Constitutional Court? I don't know. We have done our best." The law will enter a trial stage in February 2026 and will be fully implemented by September next year, marking the start of the new school year.