Media and entertainment giant, Disney is suing Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida. Read to know more about the move.
Why is Disney suing Ron DeSantis?
On Wednesday, Dinsey revealed it is suing the governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis over infringement of rights. The move is part of a larger feud spanning over a year between the governor and the entertainment company over LGBT rights, children’s education, and the rights of corporations. It began following Disney’s oppose the “Don’t Say Gay”, Florida law banning classroom lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation for children in primary classes.
As per an AP report, Dinsey is alleging “a targeted campaign of government retaliation. Orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech. (This) now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights.”
More on the fight between the Florida Gov and Disney
Disney’s opposition came after the bill became law, angering its LGBTQ+ employees. “It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry,” stated the then Disney CEO. Bob Chapek. In a retaliation move, DeSantis removed Disney World’s status as a ‘self-governing district”. The park has been enjoying autonomous status since its establishment in the 1970s. “We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other businesses in the state,” stated the Florida Governor.
After stripping the status in March 2023, DeSantis appointed a new board of supervisors for overseeing municipal services in the parks. However, before the law came in, Disney pushed a last-minute agreement stripping the new supervisors of their authority. The move was called unlawful and Florida passed a bill seeking to put the supervisors back in place. Additionally, the governor also stressed the need for government oversight of Disney rides and suggested building a prison nearby. Former President Trump stated DeSantis was “outplayed, outsmarted, and embarrassed by Mickey Mouse.”