Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to withdraw state and federal funding from Dallas and Houston airports if they proceed with plans to install facilities for Islamic prayer. The facilities in question are used for ablution, a ritual cleansing of the hands and feet before prayer.

Airport Response

In response to Abbott’s threat, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has canceled plans to install the facility. The airport stated that the decision was made after determining that the facility would not deliver the anticipated operational benefits.

Houston’s airport has had an ablution room since 2024, which is described as being for use by people of all faiths. DFW airport has had a similar station since 2019.

Constitutional Concerns

Abbott’s office has expressed concerns that the facilities may be unconstitutional, as they appear to single out one subset of the population for special treatment based on religion. The governor has stated that both airports are government-owned facilities and that the federal and state constitutions prohibit government from facilitating this sort of discrimination.

Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.