Islam law in Lower Austria: IGGÖ criticizes dangerous consequences!

Islam law in Lower Austria: IGGÖ criticizes dangerous consequences!

Vienna, Österreich - On May 2, 2025, the Islamic Faith Community in Austria (IGGÖ) expressed sharp criticism of a new legislative package that was decided on April 30, 2025 in the Lower Austrian state parliament. This package is aimed at radical Islam and meets fundamental concerns on the part of the IGGÖ. The President of the IGGÖ, Ümit Vural, warned of generalizations and described the law as "step backwards for the rule of law".

Vural particularly criticized the use of unclear terms such as "radical Islamist", which are not legally defined. Such blur could easily lead to arbitrary interpretations. The IGGÖ also expressed concerns about the labor law sanctions that can be imposed in Vager club affiliation.

criticism of specific regulations

Special concerns also have the higher threats of punishment for parents of kindergarten children. From September 1, 2025, the obligation to cooperate with the legal guardians of kindergarten children will be expanded. In the event of repeated violations, such as the refusal of a mandatory parents' discussion, there are penalties of up to 2,500 euros. These regulations could also burden socially disadvantaged families. "The action plan places Muslim religiosity under suspicion of extremism and creates a climate of distrust," summed up Vural.

The decided ban on veil in the state service was criticized as "twice staged". Vural demanded that integration should be achieved through dialogue, education and trust, and not through control and political rapid shots. The draft law encountered support from ÖVP, FPÖ and SPÖ in the Lower Austrian state parliament, while changes in kindergartens, in a separate vote, were also supported by the Greens and Neos.

expanded obligations and influence on kindergartens

In addition to the regulations on the obligation to cooperate by the legal guardians, kindergarten owners should also be able to issue their own house regulations in the future. In addition to the previous target provisions, democratic values as well as traditions and customs are recorded in the state constitution. These new legal provisions raise questions about integration and equal opportunities, and are still controversial in political discourse.

For further information on the developments related to the legislative package, have a look at noe.orf.at and noe.orf.at. Also [vienna.at] (https://www.vienna.at/Setzei- against-radikalen-islam-in-noe-mit-krikt-confronted/9373829) reports extensively about the reactions to the new law.