What's the story

The Austrian parliament has passed a controversial law banning girls under 14 from wearing headscarves in schools. The ban, proposed by the conservative-led government, seeks to protect girls "from oppression." It applies to all forms of Islamic veils including hijabs and burqas. The law will fully come into effect with the new school year in September, after an initial period starting February for educating stakeholders about the rules.

Discontent voiced

Opposition and criticism over hijab ban in Austria

The bill was only opposed by the opposition Green Party during the parliamentary debate. Liberal NEOS lawmaker Yannick Shetty argued that headscarves "sexualise girls," while Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm said requiring girls to hide their bodies is "not a re

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