Austria passes controversial ‘Islam law’
New law aims to encourage ‘Austrian character’ while strengthening Islam’s status in the country.
A bill reforming a centuries-old law governing the status of Muslims has just been passed by Austria’s National Council or parliament. The law has sparked discussion over the relationship between state and religion and the status of 560,000 Austrian Muslims. In a controversial move, the Islam Law bans foreign funding of mosques and religious leaders and reminds Muslims that state law takes precedence over religious belief.
The bill protects Muslim religious holidays; allows Muslims to consult clerics while in the military, prisons and care homes; and receive food in accordance with Islamic rules. The law encourages preaching Islam in German, instead of Turkish as is common in Muslim communities.
Around 200 protesters gathered outside the Austrian parliament to oppose the law while online they used #Islamgesetz (“Islam Law”):