Austin, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday directed a review of state grants awarded to entities operating Texas airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, citing concerns over what he characterized as religious discrimination at government-owned facilities.
According to the governor’s office, DFW plans to install ablution facilities intended for Islamic washing rituals, while IAH has already installed an ablution facility connected to a prayer room.
Abbott directed state officials to review whether active grant funding should be revoked and whether future grants should be denied. He also referred DFW and IAH to the U.S. Department of Transportation for investigation and enforcement.
In a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Abbott requested that USDOT and the Federal Aviation Administration review the airports’ religious facilities and accommodations and determine whether corrective action is warranted.
Abbott argues the facilities provide special treatment based on religion and violate constitutional and legal protections against religious discrimination. The governor’s office noted that airport grant recipients are required to certify compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws.
The allegations reflect the governor’s legal position; the announcement does not establish that either airport has been found by a court or federal agency to have violated discrimination laws.