Texas Airports review muslim prayer facilities

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a review of state grants given to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) over facilities provided for Muslim travelers.

The governor has raised concerns about special facilities for Muslims to perform wudu, the Islamic practice of washing before prayer.  He has described the facilities as possible religious discrimination and has also asked the U.S.  Department of Transportation to review the issue.

Review of state funding

According to a statement from Abbott’s office, Texas will review state grants given to airport authorities.  Officials will consider whether existing funding should be withdrawn or whether the airports should be prevented from receiving future state funds.

Abbott argues that government owned facilities should not provide services that appear to favor one religion over others.

Facilities at two airports

DFW International Airport is planning a dedicated area where Muslim passengers can perform wudu. At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport a similar facility has already been created along with a space where passengers can pray.

Abbott has asked U.S.  Transportation secretary sean duffy to have the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) review the existing and planned facilities at both airports.

He has also called for possible legal or corrective action if officials find that federal rules have been violated. Governor raises religious Discrimination Concerns

Abbott says both airports receive federal funding and therefore must follow federal laws related to discrimination. He argues that providing facilities specifically for Muslim religious practices could give special treatment to one religious group.

He says government owned airports should provide equal treatment and should not favor one religion over another. The governor also repeated his position on social media saying taxpayer funded public facilities should not allow what he considers illegal religious discrimination.

What happens next?

The issue will now be reviewed by federal transportation officials and the FAA.  Their response could determine whether any action is taken against the airports or their funding.

The controversy has also opened a wider debate about religious freedom equal access  and how public facilities should serve passengers from different religious backgrounds.

The case could become an important legal and political discussion about whether providing religious accommodations in public spaces is discrimination or simply a way to meet the needs of different groups.