Disney has filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, accusing him of launching a “government retaliation” campaign against the company. The dispute between the two began when Disney criticized a state law that banned discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools. In response, state officials voided a development deal involving the company’s Florida theme park, which Disney claims threatens its business and violates its constitutional rights.
The company has filed the lawsuit to protect its employees, guests, and development partners from what it calls a “relentless campaign” by state officials to use government power against Disney. Governor DeSantis has defended the state’s actions as efforts to remove special privileges for the company that were no longer in the public interest.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has defended the state’s actions against Disney, saying that the company has no legal right to operate its own government or enjoy special privileges not granted to other businesses. He added that the lawsuit is an attempt to undermine the will of Florida voters and operate outside the law.
The dispute with Disney has raised Mr DeSantis’ profile and he is seen as a potential Republican candidate for president. He has supported controversial measures such as a ban on abortion after six weeks and the Parental Rights in Education Act, which prohibits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity for pupils aged nine and under. Last year, Disney criticized a state law banning such discussions, and lawmakers responded by restructuring the special district overseeing development around Disney World, giving Mr DeSantis more power over the district’s governing board.
Before the new board took over, Disney reached a last-minute deal with the state outlining the scope of development in the district and giving Disney the right to review any changes to properties within its limits. However, the contract limited the powers of the new board and included terms that would be valid until “21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of King Charles III, king of England”.
Governor DeSantis accused Disney of trying to pull a fast one and threatened government investigations and other actions, including new taxes, tolls, and even opening a state prison near the parks. Some Republicans criticized DeSantis, saying his actions were at odds with traditional conservative views against government interference with business rights. Even former US president Donald Trump, who is a potential Republican nominee for president, criticized DeSantis, saying he had been outplayed and embarrassed by Mickey Mouse.
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