The debate over ablution facilities at Texas airports has intensified over allegations involving state grants and preferential treatment for religious practices. Gov. Greg Abbott opposed the facilities planned at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and called for a review of the projects’ compliance with the law.
Abbott argued that airports owned by the state cannot grant preferential treatment to a particular religion. He ordered a renewed review of state grants awarded to the organizations operating DFW and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), saying existing support could be canceled and future grants could be halted.
The governor also referred the matter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. DFW management had been considering adding one low-mounted washing unit to each of the women’s and men’s restrooms in Terminal D.
The airport said the project was intended to reduce wet floors, fall hazards and counter damage that could result from passengers washing their feet in standard sinks. After public interest grew, DFW accelerated its review and later announced that it had abandoned the project.
DFW still has two similar units installed in 2019. IAH in Houston also has an interfaith prayer room connected to an ablution facility.