Austria plans to ban girls under 14 from wearing the hijab

The Austrian government plans to officially ban schoolgirls under the age of 14 from wearing the hijab. This was reported by the Minister for Youth and Family Affairs, Claudia Plakolm, in an interview with the Austrian press agency.

According to Plakolm, this ban is aimed not only from a religious perspective but also at protecting the general well-being and rights of children. In her words, the headscarf is especially unnecessary for girls under 14 and is not considered obligatory in Islam. Therefore, the planned ban is based not on religious reasons but on the welfare of children and the educational environment.

Additionally, as Plakolm noted, if necessary, consultations with parents through psychologists can be organized. Schools may also involve authorities responsible for protecting the rights of children and youth.

The minister considers such measures important to protect children and ensure that they feel free and safe. It is still unknown what measures will be applied to girls who do not remove the hijab or violate the ban rules, and when this new regulation will take effect.

According to officials, this new policy is the first step towards protecting the educational environment in schools and creating a safe environment for teenagers. Thus, the Austrian government continues to firmly protect children's rights and ensure their welfare.

---