Austria’s parliament has passed a new law banning girls under 14 from wearing the hijab in schools, a move the government says is intended to protect minors from coercion. The legislation, approved on Thursday, applies to all public and private schools and will take effect next February. Initially, authorities will focus on explaining the new rules to teachers, parents, and students before imposing fines on repeat violations.

Human rights organizations and opposition parties have criticized the measure as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The Green Party voted against the bill, arguing it violates freedom of religion. The conservative-led government, under pressure from rising anti-immigration sentiment, insists the law is constitutional and aims to promote gender equality. A similar 2019 ban on headscarves in primary schools was previously overturned by Austria’s Constitutional Court.

The new regulation is expected to affect around 12,000 girls nationwide. Analysts warn the policy could deepen social divisions and face renewed legal challenges in the coming months.