Gov. Greg Abbottis calling out Texas airports over ablution facilities, or Islamic foot-washing stations.
Abbott directed a review of all state grants awarded to entities that operate airports in Texas, after reports surfaced that Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) would be adding ablution facilities.
In an Aug. 14 letter shared by the governor, Abbott argued that ablution facilities used for Islamic washing rituals are unconstitutional. The letter was sent to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
"These facilities appear designed to single out one subset of the population for special treatment based on religion. I am unaware of either airport installing standalone facilities to meet the particular needs of the many other religious
groups represented across Texas," Abbott wrote in the letter.
Abbott also argued that the facilities violate constitutional protections against religious discrimination.
"Both airports are government-owned facilities. Both the federal and state constitutions prohibit government from facilitating this sort of discrimination," he wrote.
Abbott's letter came amid reports that DFW was considering adding ablution facilities for Islamic washing rituals. IAH already has an ablution facility connected to a prayer room, according to Abbott.
Several reports, including from the San Antonio Express-News, indicate that DFW Airport has since decided not to move forward with the proposed project as of late Friday, Aug. 14.
DFW spokesperson Heath Montgomery told the Express-News by text that he was "not aware of any additional proposed changes at this time."
Montgomery also said the airport had accelerated its evaluation of the project amid heightened public interest, the Express-News reported.
"While that evaluation was planned, the airport accelerated its review due to elevated public interest this week and has determined not to proceed with the project as it would not deliver the originally anticipated operational benefits," Montgomery told the Express-News in a text message.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Illegal': Gov. Abbott slams Texas airports over Islamic foot-washing
