Only 200 people participated in the demonstration. Due to intimidations on social media? Only audio recordings of the students were played, as they were afraid to speak in person.
The demonstration was organized by several civil society organizations, including the anti-racism organization ZARA and initiatives against Islamophobia. Image: Esterreicherr
Vienna – Around 200 people demonstrated in Vienna’s city centre on Thursday against the planned headscarf ban for schoolgirls under the age of 14. The rally began at the Square of Human Rights and proceeded past Parliament towards Ballhausplatz. According to police, the event remained peaceful.
The demonstrators criticised the law passed by the federal government as discriminatory and warned of further stigmatisation of Muslim girls. Several speakers stressed that a headscarf ban does not protect children from coercion, but rather restricts fundamental rights such as freedom of religion, self-determination and equal access to education.
Among the speakers was women’s rights activist Rosa Logar, who said that the real issue was not the headscarf itself, but possible family or social pressure. This, she argued, cannot be addressed through blanket bans. In some cases, audio recordings of affected pupils were played, as they did not wish to appear publicly due to intimidation on social media.
The rally was supported by several civil society organisations, including the anti-racism organisation ZARA and initiatives against Islamophobia. Constitutional concerns were also raised: critics view the law as a targeted interference with the religious practice of a specific group.
Background
Since Monday, pupils in Vienna and Lower Austria who arrive at school wearing a headscarf are compelled during a so-called “information phase” to remove it.
From the 2026/27 school year, repeated violations may result in fines ranging from 150 to 800 euros if discussions with parents prove ineffective. Child and youth welfare services and courts may also be involved.
The headscarf ban is part of a series of measures by the Austrian government aimed at imposing stricter rules on religious symbols in schools. Human rights organisations warn that the law could marginalise Muslims in Austria and exacerbate social tensions. (Kurier)
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>>-> Broad Alliance Calls for Demonstration Against Headscarf Ban
>>-> Polls: Shared Pattern on Migration and Headscarf – yet Ban Loses Legitimacy
>>-> What Really Happened in Graz and Crans-Montana?
>>-> Europe versus Schoolgirls
By Okay Altinisik | 13-2-2026, 23:46:17
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