DFW Airport scraps controversial Islamic foot-washing station plan as Texas Gov Abbott takes aim
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a review of state grants to entities operating Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport over religious accommodations after DFW said it would not proceed with a proposal for Islamic washing stations.
Abbott said grants to both airports could be revoked or denied in the future and referred them to the U.S. Department of Transportation for investigation. He said government-owned airports cannot favor one religion and called DFW’s proposed wudu facilities illegal religious discrimination.
DFW said it had been evaluating ablution stations on the pre-security side of Terminal D but accelerated its review because of increased public attention and decided not to proceed because the project would not provide its anticipated operational benefits.
The project was registered July 31 with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as privately funded, with a $300,000 estimated cost and completion by year-end. DFW said those details were errors by its outside design firm. The preliminary estimate was actually closer to $120,000, and airport funds would have paid for it. DFW said it does not use taxpayer dollars for operations, relying instead on revenue including parking and concessions.
Abbott’s office said George Bush Intercontinental already has an ablution station and adjoining prayer room. Abbott asked the USDOT and FAA to review religious facilities at both airports, arguing such accommodations single out one religious group. State grant recipients must certify compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Similar low-level washing basins and interfaith spaces exist at other major U.S. airports, including Chicago O’Hare.
