[ad_1]
Tallahassee, Fla. (AP) — Disney sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday over the Republican takeover of the theme park district, after the company objected to legal critics calling it a “don.” “a targeted campaign of retaliation against say gay
Lawsuit filed in Tallahassee minutes after DeSantis-appointed Disney World oversight board I voted to void a deal that gave the company power over design and construction decisions on a sprawling site near Orlando.
“Disney regrets this outcome.” However, after exhausting its efforts to find a solution, the company used government power against Disney in retaliation for its political rhetoric. We have no choice but to bring this lawsuit to protect our cast members, guests, and local development partners from a constant campaign of weaponizing a view unpopular with certain state officials.”
Legal filing is the latest salvo in a feud that’s over a year old Between Disney and DeSantis, involving governor in criticism as he prepares to launch bid for prospective president in the coming months.
Mr. DeSantis bills himself as a Republican agitator who can deftly run his conservative agenda without drama, but his stance has been bashed by business leaders and White House rivals as denial. companies and major tourism drivers. Conservative small government credo.
DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said, “We are not aware of any legal right for a company to run its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other companies in the state. “This lawsuit is yet another unfortunate example of the will of Florida’s voters undermined and their desire to operate outside the bounds of the law.”
The battle began last year, facing considerable pressure after Disneyopenly opposed state laws banning classroom teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity for lower grades, calling policy critics “don’t say gay.”
As punishment, DeSantis took over Disney World’s autonomous districts and appointed a new oversight board to oversee municipal services for the sprawling theme parks. We pushed through an agreement within 11 hours that stripped us of many of our powers.
DeSantis’ board of directors said Wednesday that Disney’s move to keep control of its properties was effectively illegal and was done without proper public notice.
“Disney has picked a battle on this board. Central Florida Visitor Watch District Chairman Martin Garcia said before the vote: Confusion. It’s not going to work.”
DeSantis also vowed additional retaliation, along with proposals to increase state oversight of resort rides and monorails, and to build a prison nearby. The House has yet to approve it before it can move forward.
Disney says all of its previous board agreements were legal and were approved in public forums. Disney CEO Bob Iger also said that actions against the company that threatened employment or expansion at Florida resorts were not only “anti-business” but “anti-Florida.”
Disney’s lawsuit seeks a federal judge to void the governor’s purchase of the theme park district and the actions of the DeSantis Oversight Board on the grounds that it violates Disney’s free speech rights.
“As punishment for Disney’s protection of speech, the government retaliation campaign orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates constitutional rights. infringement,” the lawsuit said.
[ad_2]
Source link
