Texas governor targets Muslim airport facilities

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a review of state grants provided to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), alleging that facilities for Muslim passengers to perform ablution and pray could amount to religious discrimination.

Abbott’s office said the matter has also been referred to the US Department of Transportation for investigation and possible action.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, state grants provided to entities operating airports in Texas will be reviewed to determine whether existing funding should be withdrawn or whether the airports should be denied future state funding.

Abbott has argued that providing facilities specifically associated with one religion at government-owned facilities could raise concerns under religious discrimination laws.

The governor’s office said DFW International Airport is planning to establish a dedicated ablution facility for Muslim passengers. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a similar facility has reportedly already been established, along with a designated space for prayer.

Abbott has written to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, asking the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to immediately review the existing or proposed religious facilities at both airports.

He has also called for corrective or legal action if federal authorities determine that any violations have occurred.

The Texas governor maintains that both airports receive federal funding and are therefore required to comply with federal laws prohibiting discriminatory practices.

In his statement, Abbott said the proposed ablution facilities appear to provide a special accommodation to a particular section of the population based on religion, which he considers potentially unlawful.

He further argued that because the airports are publicly owned, government authorities cannot give preference to one religious viewpoint over others.

Abbott reiterated his position on social media, saying that government facilities funded by taxpayers should not allow what he described as unlawful religious discrimination.