European countries have varied laws regarding religious headscarves in schools, balancing secularism and freedom of religion.
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Austria has banned the hijab for girls under 14 in schools since September 2026, though this does not apply outside school grounds. Across Europe, there is no uniform rule; restrictions vary based on national legislation’s interpretation of religious freedom, secularism, and other principles, often distinguishing between the hijab and full-face coverings like the niqab or burqa. While some proponents argue bans protect children’s well-being and gender equality, critics contend they violate religious freedom, especially when worn voluntarily. In France, a 2004 law restricts “ostentatious” religious symbols in state schools, though this applies broadly. Spain lacks a national ban, with varying court rulings on the matter. Italy has banned burqas and niqabs in various public spaces since October 2026 to combat radicalization, while Belgium’s rules are decentralized by linguistic community; Flanders prohibits visible religious symbols in state schools. Bulgaria enforces strict laws against face coverings in public, though it has seen challenges regarding the hijab. Conversely, Czech law prevents schools from banning the headscarf unless it covers the face or there is a safety justification.
