Kathmandu— The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) has strongly criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for opposing the installation of wudu stations – facilities for Islamic pre-prayer washing – at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Abbott threatened to revoke state funding from the airports, claiming they would constitute religious discrimination, leading DFW airport to scrap its plans for the stations. CAIR argues that Abbott’s actions are a politically motivated attempt to target Muslims, while proponents of religious accommodation maintain that providing such facilities does not violate constitutional principles.

Airport Project Abandoned Amid Controversy

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) ultimately decided not to proceed with the wudu station project after Abbott’s threats. According to an airport statement, while a full evaluation was planned, the review was accelerated due to public interest and determined that the stations would not deliver the originally anticipated operational benefits. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston already has similar facilities.

Governor Cites Religious Discrimination

Governor Abbott asserted that the wudu stations appeared “designed to single out one subset of the population for special treatment based on religion,” and referred the airports to federal agencies for investigation. He stated that such accommodations would violate both state and federal constitutions by favouring a specific religious view. Abbott also pointed to recent legislation he signed requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, as well as a decision by the Texas State Board of Education to make Bible stories required reading.

CAIR Denounces ‘Political Stunt’

CAIR responded sharply to Abbott's actions, labelling them another “anti-Muslim political stunt.” The organization emphasized that wudu stations are not exclusive to Muslim use and are similar to existing facilities like interfaith prayer rooms or toilet bidets found in airports worldwide. They also highlighted the hypocrisy of opposing these accommodations while simultaneously promoting religious displays such as the Ten Commandments. CAIR further noted Abbott’s previous declaration last year labelling the organization a “foreign terrorist” – a designation currently being challenged in court.

Rising Islamophobia Fuels Concerns

Abbott's opposition to the wudu stations occurs against a backdrop of increasing Islamophobic rhetoric, with politicians openly making anti-Muslim statements. Former President Donald Trump recently shared a photo of a Democratic Senate candidate and his family, seemingly questioning the candidate’s suitability for office due to his wife wearing a hijab. CAIR also referenced a hate crime in May where gunmen killed three people at a mosque in San Diego.

CAIR continues to challenge Abbott's actions legally and advocate for religious accommodations, while the governor maintains his stance against what he deems preferential treatment based on religion.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.