Texas water park changes ‘Muslim only event’ after Gov Abbott threatens to pull $530K in state grants
“Exclusive event for Muslims” at a taxpayer-funded event Texas The water park was changed to “all welcome” while encouraging guests to dress modestly after criticism and threats from Gov. Greg Abbott to withdraw public safety grants.
A local Islamic group hired Epic Waters Indoor Water Park for Dallas-Fort Worth’s (DFW) annual “Epic Holiday” celebration on June 1. A brochure for the event initially stated that the meeting was a “Muslims-only event” requiring a “modest dress code.”
Despite the backlash, event organizer Aminah Knight said the event’s aim was to “create a space where individuals and families, especially those who value modest attire and a modest environment, can come together and comfortably enjoy the entertainment atmosphere.”
new poster “Muslims only event” is being removed and now says “Modest attire only” and “Muslims only” is replaced with “All welcome”.
A previously advertised “Muslims-only event” at Epic Waters in Grand Prairie, Texas, was changed to welcome all following backlash over its religious admissions policy.
(Fox News)
“In response to feedback, we have updated our materials to clearly reflect that this is a modest clothing-only event centered around a respectful and family-friendly environment,” he wrote in a message on the event’s website.
The event is the third held at the city-owned Epic Waters. water park It was funded in part by a voter-approved 0.25% sales tax in the DFW suburb of Grand Prairie.
Initially, the activity was a “Special event for Muslims only” Entry policy that includes halal food and a private prayer area. Women are required to wear a “burkini” and men are required to wear swimsuits and a shirt.
The first flyer for the event stated “For Muslims only” and was later changed to “All welcome.”
Although men and women will not be separated, the event website states that guests must comply.”Islamic etiquette,” just like other mixed-gender spaces.
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Abbott condemned the incident and called the initial “Muslims Only” policy “unconstitutional” and “religious discrimination.”
“I signed HB 4211 into law – Banning areas where only Muslims cannot enter In Texas,” he wrote in Let this be a lesson to local officials: ALL taxpayer-funded facilities are not just for a subset of Texans.”
The event’s website included images of what participating women should wear to comply with Islamic standards.
In a letter to Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen, Abbott said Public Security Office The city has five active grants and city leaders have agreed to match them state laws regarding civil rights and discrimination when accepting awards.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the water park and the city of Grand Prairie.
Original article source: Texas water park changes ‘Muslim-only event’ after Governor Abbott threatens to withdraw $530K in state aid
