Austria Passes Law Targeting Islam

The provincial parliament of Lower Austria voted on nursery changes supported by the Greens and NEOS, expanding parental cooperation obligations and imposing fines for non-compliance. The legislation includes a ban on face coverings for public servants and emphasizes democratic values and local traditions. Udo Landbauer from the FPO stated the law protects families from Islamist influence. The SPO approved the amendments after negotiations with the OVP, while NEOS criticized the legislation as a political show. An additional motion was adopted to ban headscarves for girls under 14 and enhance parental involvement in schools.