The Equal Treatment Office, the Documentation Center on Islamophobia, and civil society groups for human rights, equality, and anti-discrimination are calling for a demonstration against the Islamophobic headscarf ban on february 13.

Speeches, statements, and expressions of solidarity are planned by representatives of the organizations involved in the demonstration, affected families, and activists. Image: TRT

Vienna – A civil society alliance of around 20 organizations is calling for a demonstration against the headscarf ban in schools on friday, february 13, 2026. The rally will begin at 5:00 PM at Platz der Menschenrechte (1070 Vienna) and aims to send a clear message in support of religious freedom, educational equality, and equal treatment.

“It’s about more than a piece of clothing”

The law, passed at the end of 2025, prohibits girls under 14 from wearing headscarves at public schools. Critics call it an infringement on fundamental rights: “This is not just about clothing; it is about girls’ right to freely practice their religion and have equal access to education,” explained a spokesperson for the “No to the Headscarf Ban” initiative.

The organizers warn of stigmatization and discrimination against girls wearing headscarves. “This law sends a dangerous message to our society: religious diversity is not accepted, but regulated and excluded,” said an activist from the Documentation Center on Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Racism.

Who is behind the alliance?

In addition to this initiative, the alliance includes representatives from the Equal Treatment Ombudsman, the Documentation Center on Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Racism, and other civil society groups advocating for human rights, equality, and anti-discrimination. Migrant and women’s rights organizations are also supporting the rally.

Demonstration as a platform for solidarity

Speeches, statements, and messages of solidarity are planned from representatives of the participating organizations, affected families, and activists. The organizers announced that legal steps against the ban are under consideration. Previous decisions of the Austrian Constitutional Court have shown that similar bans have been overturned in the past.

“We want not only to protest, but also to educate and promote an inclusive debate. It is about the future of our children and the protection of fundamental rights,” said a spokesperson for the Equal Treatment Ombudsman.

A symbol of the ongoing debate

In Vienna and Lower Austria, starting Monday, female students who show up to class wearing headscarves will be pressed to remove them during a so-called “awareness phase”.

Starting in the 2026/27 school year, repeated violations will be punishable by fines ranging from €150 to €800 if discussions with parents prove fruitless. Child welfare services, youth welfare services, and courts may also be involved.

The headscarf ban is part of a series of measures by the Austrian government introducing stricter rules for religious symbols in schools. Human rights organizations warn that the law could marginalize Muslims in Austria and increase social tensions.

The demonstration on february 13 is therefore intended to send a clear message in support of religious freedom, equal educational opportunities, and societal solidarity.

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By Okay Altinisik | 7-2-2026, 11:55:41