Greg Abbott directs grant review over DFW wudu washing facilities

Key Points:

• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a review of state grants to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) over religious accommodation concerns after DFW halted plans to install Islamic washing stations.
• Abbott referred both airports to the U.S. Department of Transportation for investigation, stating that government-owned airports cannot favor one religion and that the proposed Islamic wudu washing facilities at DFW are illegal.
• DFW had been evaluating a proposal to add ablution washing stations in Terminal D but decided not to proceed after public scrutiny, citing a lack of anticipated operational benefits.
• The project was initially registered as privately funded with an estimated cost of $300,000, but the airport clarified this was an administrative error and that airport funds would be used if approved; DFW relies on revenue streams rather than taxpayer dollars for operations.
• Abbott emphasized that similar religious accommodations must comply with anti-discrimination laws, noting that IAH already has an ablution station and prayer room, and requested a federal review of religious facilities at both airports.