Stricter Islamic Law for Austria?

Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm is contemplating a tightening of the Islam law. In practice, there are issues with individual mosques, she mentioned in an APA interview. Where changes could be made is still under discussion. Regarding the headscarf ban for children, Plakolm is considering a phased model. Whether the civil service could also be extended with a prolonged basic military service, the responsible minister left open.

First, it is necessary to wait for the results of the expert commission planned by the Ministry of Defense, said Plakolm. However, she has always had a very good collaboration with the Defense Minister, "to make both areas more attractive for young people in unison."

What is definitely coming is the comeback of an extended voluntary civil service. This is particularly interesting for boys who want to pursue an education and want to bridge the time until it begins. It would also be a support for the institutions, especially since civil service is often the seamless transition to a job in one of the sectors.

Headscarf Ban Up to 14 Years

Another youth-related topic is significantly more controversial, namely the planned headscarf ban up to 14. However, Plakolm is determined to implement it: "We will not allow young girls to be oppressed." Women are veiled mainly in those countries where radical Islam is on the rise.

There is no fixed model for this yet, as Plakolm still wants to consult with experts accordingly: "To ensure it holds legally, it also requires lead time." A phased model has already been proposed, where initially there could be a conversation with the parents, then perhaps with school psychologists, before sanctions are imposed: "For us, it is clear that we need to take action here."

This applies to integration as a whole, which is why the responsible minister also explicitly supports the planned mandatory integration program for asylum seekers and refugees with a high likelihood of staying. It is stated what is expected, and this can also be demanded. There must also be the possibility for sanctions if the program is not completed accordingly: "Otherwise, it would be toothless." Plakolm wants to orient herself on models in Lower and Upper Austria, where half of the social benefits can be cut: "This lever works."

Change in the Islam Law?

For the Minister of Integration, it is "clear" that there is a problem with radicalization in connection with radical Islam. Therefore, it is necessary to look in detail at how the Islam Law could be updated: "One must seriously consider whether the status quo does not need to be revised." In practice, it is evident that there are problems with individual mosques: "We need to put a stop to this."

Plakolm also stands by the fact that the promotion of Austrian holiday culture was enshrined in the government program: "As a society, we must stop being estranged from our own traditions." Values such as sharing and solidarity, which are conveyed during celebrations like St. Martin's Day and Thanksgiving, are hopefully upheld in all religions. Therefore, she wants to maintain these activities in educational institutions that are not attended by any Catholic children: "We want these customs to be clearly named again and also take place in schools." Regulations will be found for this.

Plakolm has no good news for members of the Protestant church, who wish for the return of Good Friday as a non-working holiday. "We have not provided for any measures in the government program for this," says the Minister of Culture. Plakolm emphasizes in this context that the abolition was not based on a government decision but on a supreme court ruling. She will also discuss this with the Protestant faith community.

FPÖ Criticizes

Criticism came from the FPÖ: Security spokesman Gernot Darmann expressed concern in a statement that "as always with ÖVP announcements," the implementation "could fall by the wayside." Integration Minister Plakolm invests her working time "in sanctions for values courses that are not taken seriously, instead of considering that the mere necessity to force people into such courses is already proof of her failed policy of mass and knife immigration." The phase of "bold statements and empty phrases" from the ÖVP must "come to an end quickly" - "now it's time to take decisive action," said Darmann.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.