Florida: Federal Judge Sides with Gov. Ron DeSantis Against Disney Lawsuit

A federal judge in Florida has ruled in favor of Governor Ron DeSantis, dismissing a lawsuit filed by Disney concerning alterations to the governing structure of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, according to ABC News.

The legal dispute, initiated by Disney in April, alleged that the changes were a retaliatory response to the company's criticism of the Parental Rights in Education Act, commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

Disney filed a lawsuit contending that the modifications to the Reedy Creek Improvement District in April, where Disney holds a prominent landownership position, were enacted as retaliation for its opposition to the bill.

The Florida Legislature, in response, voted to dissolve the previous governing board of the district, replacing it with a DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD).

According to the Disney lawsuit, a pre-existing contract was nullified during this process.

Florida Judge's Decision

US District Judge Allen Winsor granted the state's motion to dismiss Disney lawsuit, Variety reports

The judge concluded that Disney lacked standing to sue the governor and emphasized that challenging a facially constitutional action with a claim of retaliatory motive was not permissible.

Following this decision, Jeremy Redfern, a spokesperson for Governor DeSantis, declared, "The Corporate Kingdom is over," asserting that Disney does not have the privilege of a special government.

"The days of Disney controlling its own government and being placed above the law are long gone," Redfern said. "The federal court's decision made it clear that Governor DeSantis was correct: Disney is still just one of many corporations in the state, and they do not have a right to their own special government. In short - as long predicted, case dismissed."

In response, Disney announced its intention to appeal the decision to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, stating that the case has far-reaching implications for the rule of law.

Disney expressed concerns that if left unchallenged, the decision could set a precedent, enabling states to misuse official powers to suppress political viewpoints they disagree with.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' Response and Ongoing Conflict

Governor DeSantis argued that Disney "crossed the line" by opposing the state's Parental Rights in Education law, leading to the swift elimination of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a longstanding agency intended to foster the development of Disney World and other Disney parks.

Disney's lawyers labeled this as a clear case of retaliation and weaponization of government.

The conflict between Disney and Governor Ron DeSantis began nearly two years ago when Disney spoke out against a bill championed by DeSantis that prohibited certain classroom instructions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida, CNN noted.

Disney's then-CEO, Bob Chapek, termed the bill the "Don't Say Gay" bill, referring to it as a "challenge to basic human rights."

The lawsuit, filed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in April, accused DeSantis of leveraging his political power to punish the company for exercising its right to free speech.

Although the Disney lawsuit has been dismissed, it represents only one chapter in the ongoing legal and political confrontation between Disney and DeSantis.

Previously holding municipal control over the area surrounding its theme parks, Disney lost this authority after the passage of DeSantis' bill.

The creation of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, overseen by individuals appointed by the governor, posed further challenges for Disney.

The oversight board has indicated potential actions such as tax hikes, increased utility rates, and land development around Disney's Central Florida theme parks.

The judge's dismissal does not mark the end of legal disputes between DeSantis and Disney.

Disney retains the option to appeal, and in May, the Ron DeSantis-backed oversight board filed a lawsuit against Disney in state court, keeping the legal saga alive.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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