The Austrian parliament on Wednesday approved a law that forbids the wearing to elementary school of any “ideologically or religiously influenced clothing that is associated with the covering of the head," such as a hijab.
The measure was put forward by chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s coalition government.
It was condemned by many as discriminatory, and sources indicate it might be challenged in Austria’s constitutional court.
An article published by the Telegraph quoted coalition partner Wendelin Mölzer (Freedom Party) as saying the law was intended as a signal “against political Islam.”
The law does not ban Jewish boys from wearing yarmulkes nor Sikh boys from wearing patkas. Students will also be allowed to wear hats and scarves in the winter.