A taxpayer-funded Texas waterpark has sparked backlash by organizing a Muslim-only day to celebrate Eid.
Epic Waters in Grand Prairie, Texas drew outrage this week as it released fliers for the June 1 event, which will demand a ‘modest dress code’ and serve only Halal-slaughtered meat.
Posters for the event say it will be ‘for Muslims only’ to create a ‘family-friendly environment’, with tickets starting at $55 each.
The waterpark’s website notes that men and women will not be separated during the event, but attendees are told to ‘uphold Islamic etiquette’ by ‘lowering the gaze’ throughout the day.
‘Please follow the event’s modest dress code, and practice ḥayāʾ (modesty) through respectful behavior,’ the event says.
All attendees are ‘expected to dress in accordance with Islamic values’, and the waterpark says all swimwear must meet Muslim guidelines.
The event was criticized across social media, with many questioning if a taxpayer-funded space is allowed to exclude certain demographics from its events.
Conservative commentator and radio host Dana Loesch led the backlash, questioning: ‘How is a taxpayer-funded, city-owned entity allowed to discriminate against non-Muslims at a public water park?’
Loesch added: ‘There would be literal riots if Muslims were similarly excluded and we all know that’s 100% accurate.’
Conservative influencer Sara Gonzalez also said she was intent on calling the city of Grand Prairie ‘with my questions’ as she questioned the legality of the event.
Epic Waters, which is funded by an additional sales tax on Grand Prairie residents, included on the event a list of suggested swimwear for women.
‘Explore our recommendations and get ready to make a stylish – and modest – splash!’ the website says.
The suggested swimwear included full head-to-toe coverings with bathing suit material, alongside full body coverings for children.
The site also includes testimonials from past attendees praising the event, including one from Ahmed S who said: ‘I loved the modesty and the Anasheed.’
Epic Waters, an 80,000-square-foot space, opened in 2017 as a city-owned events park for Grand Prairie residents.
The waterpark cost taxpayers $88 million, and was funded by a quarter-cent sales tax on Grand Prairie residents, which was approved by voters in 2014, according to the Dallas Morning News.
The Muslim-only event in June is being organized and run by the East Plano Islamic Center.
The Daily Mail has contacted Epic Waters and the East Plano Islamic Center for comment on the reaction to its Muslim-only event.