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In a dramatic legal twist, a federal judge has recently dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Walt Disney Co. against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The roots of this legal clash trace back to 2023 when DeSantis, backed by Republican legislators, dismantled Disney’s longstanding self-governing status. This decisive move followed Disney’s public opposition to a state law known as the Parental Rights in Education Act, colloquially labeled “Don’t Say Gay” by critics, which sought to restrict discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in educational settings.
Governor DeSantis dissolved the special district governing Walt Disney World, situated near Orlando, spanning over 50 years. This dissolution came as a response to Disney’s CEO expressing disagreement with the aforementioned law. In a strategic move, DeSantis orchestrated the creation of a new oversight body, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, placing it under his control through appointed officials.
Disney’s response was swift and forceful. The entertainment giant took the matter to federal court, arguing that Governor DeSantis was engaging in retaliatory action against the company for exercising its First Amendment right to freedom of speech. In addition to the legal battle, Disney dealt a financial blow to Florida by canceling its plans for a substantial $1 billion campus in the state.
In a significant development, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor issued a 17-page order dismissing Disney’s case. The judge contended that Disney lacked the standing to sue the governor and, while suggesting Disney could challenge the new DeSantis-appointed board, emphasized the absence of evidence showing harm to the company resulting from the board’s actions. Moreover, Winsor pointed out legal limitations preventing plaintiffs from mounting a free speech challenge against constitutionally enacted laws.
Governor DeSantis and his spokesperson celebrated the court’s decision, heralding the end of what they dubbed “the Corporate Kingdom.” The spokesperson asserted that Disney should not enjoy a self-governing status and emphasized the company’s place as one among many corporations in the state, no longer above the law.
Despite the setback in federal court, Disney remains undeterred. A company spokesperson declared their intent to continue pressing forward with the case. In a post-ruling statement, the spokesperson underscored the potential dangers of the court’s decision, cautioning that if unchallenged, it could establish a perilous precedent, allowing states to exploit their official powers to suppress political viewpoints they disagree with.
This legal saga between Disney and Governor DeSantis is far from over, with the company also entangled in lawsuits at the state level against the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board. As the battle continues, the case is poised to have significant implications, not only for the involved parties but also for broader discussions surrounding free speech rights and corporate-government relationships.
