Austrian lawmakers have passed a new law banning headscarves for girls under 14 in schools, a move the government claims is aimed at protecting children from oppression. The law, which targets Islamic veils such as hijabs and burqas, will come into effect with the new school year in September and includes fines for repeated violations. Rights groups and experts have criticized the measure, warning it singles out Muslim girls and risks fueling prejudice, while Austria's far-right party argues the ban should be extended further. Similar bans on face coverings have been enacted in other European countries, including France and Portugal.