In the Austrian city of Steyr, a refugee refused a German language course because he rejected being taught by female staff. Now, one Austrian politician says it is not an isolated incident.
Austrian Integration State Councilor Christian Dörfel, in the state of Upper Austria, has responded to the situation by saying it was “untenable.”
“Anyone who rejects our way of life, questions our social achievements such as equality between men and women, or wants to put religion above state law, has no place with us,” said Dörfel while speaking with Austrian news outlet Kronen Zeitung.
Dörfel said that in other cases, women are being replaced over such protests from refugee students, adding that it is not so rare that such situations arise.
“This must not happen again in the future and will lead to a reduction or cancelation of funding. The aim here is to establish respect for female authority in German courses as well,” said Dörfel.
The integration councilor said he wants to stop this from occurring, as German courses are also designed to establish respect for women, including in authority positions.
Dörfel says he wants to promote success stories involving other immigrants in order to integrate newcomers who are not used to Austrian cultural standards.
