Austrian lawmakers on Thursday voted to approve a law banning headscarves in schools for girls under 14 by a large majority, a move that is now facing criticism from experts and human rights groups. The only party to oppose it was the opposition Green Party, which argued that the law was unconstitutional.

The ban was proposed earlier this November by Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), the largest faction in parliament, and will come into force at the start of the 2026/2027 school year, with families facing fines of up to €800 for repeated non-compliance. A gradual introduction to the legislation will begin in February as the new rules will be explained to educators, parents, and children. The ban is expected to affect up to 12,000 children.

The law prevents girls younger than

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