A taxpayer-funded waterpark has sparked outrage after promoting a now-amended “Muslim-only” Eid occasion full with modest costume guidelines, halal meals and prayer areas.
A waterpark obtained backlash (Picture: Getty)
Fury has erupted in Texas after a taxpayer-funded waterpark unveiled plans to host what was initially marketed as a “Muslim-only” occasion to rejoice Eid.
Epic Waters, an enormous indoor waterpark in Grand Prairie close to Dallas, confronted fierce backlash after promotional materials for the “Epic Eid” celebration on June 1 repeatedly said the occasion was for “Muslims solely” and included a strict modest costume code. The 80,000-square-foot attraction, which opened in 2017 at a value of $88million (£65million), was funded by way of a neighborhood gross sales tax authorized by residents in a 2014 referendum.
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The occasion has been amended to “modest costume solely” (Picture: Getty)
Critics accused the venue of discrimination and questioned how a publicly funded facility might seem to exclude folks primarily based on faith.
Texas radio host Dana Loesch blasted the plans on-line, writing: “How is a taxpayer-funded, city-owned entity allowed to discriminate in opposition to non-Muslims at a public water park?”
One other social media person described the scenario as a “civil rights violation”, whereas others questioned whether or not the same “Christians solely” occasion could be permitted.
Following the backlash, organiser Aminah Knight stated the occasion had been misunderstood and insisted it was not meant to exclude non-Muslims.
An up to date model of the flyer eliminated the phrase “Muslim solely” and changed it with “modest costume solely”, whereas including the message: “Come and rejoice Eid with us, all are welcome!”
Ms Knight advised The New York Submit: “The core intention behind this occasion is to create an area the place people and households who worth modest costume and a modest atmosphere can come collectively and really feel comfy having fun with a leisure house that always doesn’t naturally accommodate these preferences.”
She added: “Whereas the occasion is rooted in celebrating Eid throughout the Muslim neighborhood, the guideline for attendance is the modest costume code.”
Based on organisers, visitors are anticipated to observe “Islamic etiquette” through the occasion, together with decreasing their gaze round members of the other intercourse. Women and men is not going to be segregated.
The occasion commercial additionally guarantees halal meals, a non-public prayer space and unique entry to the waterpark, with tickets costing $65 together with meals or $55 with out.
Ms Knight defended the association by arguing the venue recurrently hosts personal features and neighborhood occasions.
She stated: “Visitors are anticipated to observe that guideline; comparable to burkinis for girls and swim trunks with shirts for males.”
A spokesperson for Epic Waters careworn the occasion was not being run immediately by the waterpark itself.
The spokesperson stated: “These teams recurrently e-book our venue for birthday events, celebrations, youth occasions, company programming, and different actions, together with full-park buyouts for large-scale personal or ticketed occasions.”
They added: “As with all leases, the internet hosting entity, not the waterpark, determines the occasion’s programming.”
The controversy comes amid wider debate in Texas surrounding the proposed EPIC Metropolis improvement, a deliberate Islamic-centred neighborhood close to Dallas backed by the East Plano Islamic Centre.
The undertaking contains plans for houses, faculties, outlets, clinics and a mosque, however has drawn criticism from Republican figures together with Greg Abbott.
In February 2025, Abbott stated: “To be clear, Sharia legislation will not be allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities.”
Texas Legal professional Basic Ken Paxton has additionally filed authorized motion linked to the undertaking, alleging securities fraud.
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