Austria bans headscarves in schools for under-14s

Austria has banned headscarves in schools for girls under 14, citing a commitment to gender equality. The law, supported by a conservative coalition, applies to both public and private schools. Critics fear the ban will lead to anti-Muslim sentiment and legal challenges on constitutional grounds, echoing previous rulings. Violations of the ban could result in fines and intervention by child welfare authorities, with proponents arguing it is about empowering young girls against oppression.