AMERICANALMANAC (Alex Tanzer) - Gov. Abbott orders funding review of Texas airports over Islamic washing facilities
Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed a statewide review of airport funding and asked federal officials to investigate two major airports for possible religious discrimination over Islamic ablution stations, a move that could cost the airports millions in state grants. Abbott on August 12 ordered a review of state funding for airports across Texas after reports […] The post Gov. Abbott orders funding review of Texas airports over Islamic washing facilities appeared first on American Almanac .
Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed a statewide review of airport funding and asked federal officials to investigate two major airports for possible religious discrimination over Islamic ablution stations, a move that could cost the airports millions in state grants. Abbott on August 12 ordered a review of state funding for airports across Texas after reports surfaced that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport planned to install separate foot-washing stations for men and women to accommodate wudu, the Islamic ritual washing performed before prayer. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston already operates a similar facility connected to a prayer room. Both airports are government-owned and receive federal funds. The governor…Open
AI:Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a sweeping statewide review of airport funding and called for federal investigations into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport following reports of Islamic ablution stations being installed in public restrooms. Abbott contends that providing specialized foot-washing facilities for the ritual of wudu at government-owned transit hubs constitutes unconstitutional religious discrimination by singling out one faith for special treatment. The investigation follows a controversy at DFW where officials initially attempted to classify a $300,000 project as non-publicly funded before correcting the filing, an admission that has only sharpened legal concerns regarding…Open