Young protesters take part in a demonstration against a headscarf ban in schools. (AFP pic)VIENNA: As the new school year gets under way in Austria, a headscarf ban for girls under 14 has sparked protests on the streets and in the classroom, with dozens of pupils refusing to comply.

Austria's conservative-led government has insisted that the ban, introduced on Sept 1, promotes gender equality and protects Muslim girls from "segregation and oppression".

But critics argue that it disproportionately targets Muslims, infringes upon religious freedom and is forcing young girls to dress in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Since the ban took effect, education authorities across Austria have held 127 meetings with parents and filed 52 reports over alleged breaches of the law, according to the education ministry.