On Friday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott initiated a review of state funding for the organizations managing the state’s two major airports, prompted by Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport’s (DFW) decision to halt plans for installing Islamic washrooms.
Abbott stated that the review would encompass grants allotted to the operators of George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and DFW, potentially leading to revocation or denial of future funding.
He also referred both airports to the U.S. Department of Transportation for further investigation.
“Government-owned airports cannot show favoritism towards one religion over others,” Abbott expressed on X. He called the plan for installing an Islamic Wudu cleaning facility at DFW illegal and stated that he has directed considerations toward the possible revocation of state aid for both airports.
“Texas will not accept unlawful religious discrimination in facilities funded by taxpayers,” he added.
In response, DFW clarified that it had been assessing a proposal to incorporate an ablution station at the entrance of its international terminal, Terminal D, but had chosen to expedite its review in light of heightened public interest.
“As with all proposed projects, the airport carefully weighs operational benefits, customer service impact, and associated risks and costs before making a decision,” an airport spokesperson commented.
Amidst the scrutiny, DFW decided to abandon the project, believing it wouldn’t provide the anticipated operational advantages.
The project had been submitted for approval on July 31, where it was initially stated to be privately funded, with an estimated cost of $300,000, with expectations for completion later in the year.
DFW maintained that the stated funding source was a clerical mistake from the design firm involved, asserting that the project had not yet received final approval.
“The preliminary estimate was high; we foresee actual costs to be around $120,000 if the project moves ahead,” the spokesperson noted.
DFW further explained that the design firm incorrectly indicated “private funding” instead of noting that airport funds would finance the construction as in other projects.
Additionally, DFW emphasized that it operates without the use of tax dollars, relying instead on revenue from sources like parking and concessions.
Governor Abbott’s office revealed on Friday that George Bush Intercontinental Airport is already equipped with an ablution site and a prayer room.
In correspondence with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Abbott requested a review of the religious and lodging facilities across both airports by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration.
“These facilities seem to provide special treatment based on religion, which is unlawful,” Abbott stated, stressing that government-owned facilities must not promote any religious discrimination.
He further articulated that both state and federal constitutions prohibit government favoritism towards any religious view, emphasizing that the government cannot prioritize the secular over the sacred or one religion over another.
Abbott’s office mentioned that state aid recipients must comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Interestingly, similar interfaith spaces and low-rise basins are available at other prominent airports across the United States, including Chicago O’Hare.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from both the Houston Airport and the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the situation.
