Texas Governor refers two major airports to DOJ over Islamic prayer facilities

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has referred Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport to the U.S. Department of Justice. The referral seeks an investigation into religious facilities, specifically Islamic ablution (wudu) stations and adjoining prayer rooms.

Abbott characterized the facilities as discriminatory, stating that government-owned airports should not favor one religion over others. He noted that DFW has two operating stations, while IAH features a facility including a prayer room equipped with prayer rugs, beads, and copies of the Quran.

Following previous pressure, DFW Airport reportedly scrapped plans for additional stations in Terminal D. Abbott has also directed a review of state grants for possible revocation and indicated that Texas may pursue litigation if these facilities are located on city-owned property.