Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is escalating his dispute over Islamic ablution facilities at two Texas airports, asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and take corrective action.
Why is Abbott challenging the facilities?
Gov. Abbott referred facilities at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to the DOJ, arguing that government-owned airports should not provide accommodations that benefit one religion.
Gov. Greg Abbott: "These ablution stations single out one subset of the population for special treatment based on religion. Government-owned airports cannot favor one religion over all others."
The facilities are designed for wudu, an islamic ritual washing performed before prayer. Abbott argues they are not interfaith facilities available to people of all religions.
What happens next?
Abbott asked the DOJ to immediately review the facilities and determine whether corrective action is necessary.
His referral points to the airport's receipt of federal funding and the legal requirements attached to that funding, including compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination.
The federal government also exercises primary authority over security and access within airport terminals.
Abbott previously referred both airports to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for investigation. Following that referral, DFW abandoned plans to install additional ablution facilities. Two such stations are already operating at the airport.
IAH also has an ablution facility and an adjoining prayer room containing copies of the Quran, prayer rugs, prayer beads, and a turbah.
Abbott's latest referral moves the dispute to the Justice Department as he continues to call for greater scrutiny of religious accommodations at Texas airports.
