Woke Bristol Airport mocked for new 'multi-faith bus shelter' in middle of car park
Bristol Airport has received backlash after its new 'multi-faith area' was compared to a bus stop and smoking shelter
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Bristol Airport has received backlash after its new "multi-faith area" was compared to a bus stop and smoking shelter.
The new area was mocked online after the airport shared pictures of the grey metallic box-like structure with large opaque windows.
A sign, showing a figure praying and text, is located on the outside of the structure and reads: "Multi faith area".
In a statement, chiefs said: "This week, we have opened a new multi-faith area in the free waiting zone.
A sign, showing a figure praying and text, is located on the outside of the structure and reads: 'Multi faith area'
"Located just off the Silver Zone roundabout, the new area provides customers with a private space to reflect and pray whilst waiting to collect friends, family or loved ones."
However, while some passengers were supportive of the space, many others slammed the design.
One person said: "This is a joke right? The idea of providing a space is amazing, but this space is utterly contemptuous to many faiths, and especially to those who pray in certain ways, such as kneeling or bowing on the floor.
"It's not private, it's got a gap and no doubt there will be many gawking passersby.
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"This is a smoking shelter, not a prayer space - no doubt it will get used as such."
Others criticised the size of the area, which makes it unusable for Muslims: "How are we Muslims supposed to get our prayer mats to fit when the orientation is not towards Mecca?"
Another added: "Nothing says you care more than a wet floor and replacing the smoking sign with a multi-faith one."
One person said they "love the idea" but suggested Bristol Airport should turn it into a "dry, secure and welcoming" area.
"This is the most unwelcoming multi-faith area I have ever seen," a third said.
The new area was mocked online after the airport shared pictures of the grey metallic box-like structure with large opaque windows
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A spokesperson for the airport said: “The new multi-faith space has been created for customers to use whilst at the airport waiting for family and friends in the free waiting zone car park, situated one mile away from the terminal.
"We’ve consulted widely and listened to feedback and designed a new specification for future spaces.
"We’ve experienced an increase in customers requiring a multi-faith area in this location. This newly created space was provided after consultation with users of the car park to provide immediate shelter and dignity prior to winter – it has been welcomed by the users.
"We also have a multi-faith quiet area in the departure lounge of the terminal (situated between the Central Walkway and Gates 32-34 on the first floor) and we are introducing other dedicated areas across the site."