Pakistan, Sept. 7 -- Austria's headscarf ban for girls under 14 is facing its first major test as schools reopen across the country. Muslim groups have strongly opposed the measure, calling it discriminatory and warning of legal challenges.

The ruling coalition of three centrist parties introduced the ban, saying it aims to protect girls' freedom and prevent pressure over religious clothing. Parliament approved the legislation in December with support from the far-right Freedom Party, while the left-wing Greens were the only parliamentary group to oppose it.

The Islamic Religious Community in Austria, which represents the country's Muslims, has called the law an infringement of fundamental rights. The group plans to challenge the legisl...