Texas Gov Abbott asks the Justice Department to investigate ‘discriminatory’ Islamic washing stations

This post was originally published on this site.

McKinney mosque approval sparks resident outrage over Sharia law concerns

Texas residents voiced strong opposition after the McKinney City Council voted to approve a new Islamic center.State Rep.Keresa Richardson joins community members expressing concerns over Sharia law during a heated meeting.Joey Jones and Tomi Lahren lead ‘The Big Weekend Show’ panel in analyzing the growing national pushback against local mosque developments.

Texas Gov.Greg Abbottannounced Friday he had referred “discriminatory” religious facilities at two of the state’s major airports to the Justice Department over the installation of Islamic foot-washing stations in its bathrooms.

Last week, Abbott directed the state to conduct a review of grants to entities operatingDallas Fort WorthInternational Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston for possible revocation and denial of future funding over plans to install Islamic wudu washing facilities.

He previously referredboth airportsto the U.S.Department of Transportation (DOT) for investigation and threatened state funding.

DFW AIRPORT SCRAPS CONTROVERSIAL ISLAMIC FOOT-WASHING STATION PLAN AS TEXAS GOV ABBOTT TAKES AIM

Travelers wait in long security lines at an airport

Travelers wait in security checkpoint lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.Texas Gov.Greg Abbott has referred the matter of Islamic washing stations at IAH and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.(David J.Phillip/AP Photo, File)

“These ablution stations single out one subset of the population forspecial treatment based on religion,” Abbott said in a statement.“They are not interfaith chapels open to all.They exist to benefit the Muslim population alone.Government-owned airports cannot favor one religion over all others.”

Abbott called on theJustice Department to review policiesat both airports, noting both are subject to numerous conditions because they receive federal funding, including the requirement to comply with all laws prohibiting discrimination and protecting the rights of all Americans.

‘MUSLIM ONLY’ EVENT AT TEXAS WATER PARK CANCELED AFTER ABBOTT THREATENS TO PULL $530K IN STATE GRANTS

In a letter toU.S.Attorney GeneralTodd Blanche, Abbott said the washing facilities at IAH are furnished with “copies of the Quran, prayer rugs, prayer beads and a turbah.” He noted that both airports are owned by the government.

“Yet, these stations are designed to single out one subset of the population forspecial treatment based on religion,” he wrote.

“It is clear that these government-owned airports have used — and continue to use — funds charged to the public to finance, maintain, advertise, and operate Muslim-only spaces on property that should be open and accessible to all citizens.

“Airports can no more offer Muslim-only bathroom spaces than they can maintain white-only bathrooms.Your office has the authority to investigate and put a stop to these discriminatory practices.”

CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS’ PUSH TO MAKE MUSLIM HOLY DAYS STATE HOLIDAYS SPARKS DEBATE OVER SCHOOL NEUTRALITY

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in front of microphone

Texas Gov.Greg Abbott announced he had referred “discriminatory” religious facilities at two of the state’s major airports to the Justice Department.(Ron Jenkins/Getty Images, File)

The matter drew increased public attention as DFW was evaluating a proposal to addablution washing stationsin Terminal D, its international terminal.Airport officials eventually decided not to move forward with the plan.

WATCH: HOUSTON FACES $110M HIT AS TEXAS GOV LAYS DOWN LAW ON ‘SANCTUARY’ POLICIES

Despite DFW abandoning plans for a washing station, “it has since been discovered that two such stations are already in operation at the airport,” Abbott said.

At IAH, the washing station was in response to requests from passengers, Houston Mayoronelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

“The ablution room allows Muslim travelers, as well as other travelers whose religion requires ritual washing prior to prayer, to do so in this facility,” Whitmire said.“The ablution room leads into a prayer room.

“Prior to the development of the dedicated washing station, travelers often used restroom sinks and other public water facilities for personal washing needs, highlighting the need for a more appropriate and designated space.”

Whitmire said the ablution room also has interfaith chapels, like many airports, and is open to travelers of all faiths and beliefs.

“Therefore, their operations do not entail any discriminatory actions,” he said.