A private event advertised as 'Muslims only' at a city-owned waterpark in Texas has been cancelled after Governor Gregg Abbott threatened to withdraw state funding. The Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie, owned by the city but operated by a third party, had scheduled the celebration for the Eid holiday.
Dr. Aminah Knight, who organised the event for the past two years, used the phrase 'Muslims only' on a private flyer circulated within the community. When Abbott learned of the restriction, he sent a letter arguing that the event violated state and federal civil-rights laws, comparing it to a hypothetical 'Whites only' event.
The governor threatened to withhold $500,000 in state funding if the event proceeded. The city subsequently cancelled it, stating it was 'in the best interest of the City of Grand Prairie'. Knight later revised the flyer to remove the exclusive language, emphasising that the event was for 'modest dress only' and family-friendly.
Abbott touted his legislative action on social media, referencing a law he signed banning 'Muslim only no-go zones' in Texas. He declared the situation 'a lesson to local officials: Facilities funded by ALL taxpayers are not just for a subset of Texans.'
