In Austria, the wearing of the hijab was banned in schools.

According to foreign media reports, with the start of the new school year in Austria, girls under the age of 14 have been banned from wearing the hijab in schools.

The law would ban traditional Muslim-style head coverings, including the hijab and burqa, in public and private schools across the country.

Under the new law, if teachers see a student wearing a hijab, they will have to conduct a series of discussions with the student and her legal guardians to ensure the ban is enforced.

If the breach continues, the relevant authorities must notify child welfare services, while as a last resort guardians can be fined up to €800 (£685).

Integration Minister Claudia Bauer, from the conservative Austrian People’s Party, says the hijab is a symbol of oppression and a means of controlling girls from childhood.

Critics say the new law is fueling anti-Muslim sentiment in the country, which could potentially conflict with the constitution.

It should be noted that the law was introduced by a conservative-led coalition of three moderate parties, including the Austrian People’s Party, the Social Democrats and the liberal Neues party.

These parties say the law is a clear commitment to gender equality and aims to protect the rights of young girls.