U.S. News
DeSantis pushes to end Disney’s self-governing status in Florida [Video]
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced that the state will consider terminating the self-governing status of Walt Disney World.
- The remarks come after Disney’s vocal opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
- The DeSantis-backed legislation, which will ban schools from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation, will take effect on July 1.
Disney may lose its self-governing status after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced on Tuesday that the state legislature will consider terminating the special status afforded the Reedy Creek Improvement District that administers much of Walt Disney World.
Speaking at a press briefing, DeSantis declared that the special session of the state’s legislature will be expanded to include considering the termination of all special districts enacted in Florida prior to 1968.
Disney has had its special status since 1967. It gave the company legal right to operate under its own independent government in the area around its Orlando park in central Florida.
DeSantis’s remarks come after he said earlier this month that the company has “alienated a lot of people now” due to its vocal opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The DeSantis-backed legislation drew criticism from the LGBTQ community for banning schools from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation.
When Disney previously remained neutral on the bill, the company drew backlash from critics, prompting CEO Bob Chapek to apologize for his silence on the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Chapek stated, “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.”
Following those comments, the dispute between DeSantis and Disney escalated over the bill.
Several other states have passed legislation that are seen to be targeting LGBTQ schoolchildren. Some states have also introduced or passed bills that prohibit the provision of gender-affirming treatment for transgender youth, including gender-affirming surgeries and puberty blockers.
Florida’s bill is set to take effect on July 1.
Source: The Hill
CharlieSeattle
April 20, 2022 at 9:50 pm
To weak! Disney is a public nuisance and a direct threat to children.
CLOSE THEM DOWN AND RUN THE MANAGEMENT OUT OF FLORIDA !
james h Kelley
April 21, 2022 at 9:36 am
Maybe the water they discharge Into the Kissimmee basin will now be cleaner than before so lake Ockochobee will be cleaner and red tide will not happen on both coast
Brian Marinelli
April 21, 2022 at 7:18 am
If you morons achieve dept cancelation, which you should not, there should be a penelty for doing it. The person that apply for the relief should never be allowed to get grants or a loan for a government program. If they ever apply, their old should be reinstated. No excuses..
David Ballard
April 21, 2022 at 8:12 am
IMHO, sexuality is a highly personal issue discussion of which has historically been reserved for the family. Opening the subject for discussion in school settings presents opportunities for undue influence of the minds of children. Given Disney’s track record, rot from their inside out, DeSantis’ actions are very appropriate.
Steve Clinton
April 21, 2022 at 10:07 am
Disney World…no longer the “Happiest Place on Earth”.
Mr/ Mrs. Wesley Dwyer
April 21, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Walt Disney, founder of the theme Parks must be furious from wherever his spirit is. He was a pro-family conservative man, and would not permit Disney to be a political tool of a vocal minority against the rights of parents and family. Walt Disney today is a far cry from the days when it extolled pure and decent family entertainment. It is a very saddening situation indeed, because I would recommend other decent venues of entertainment today for my children and grandchildren. I am sure their investors, if they are after the welfare of our innocent children and still want their innocence in tact from kindergarten to the 3rd grade, and the question of sexual discussions should be a parental matter, will sell their shares, and not be complicit of this ridiculous encroachment of parental rights. For this surely is mental abuse shoved into the brains of the innocent who by right should be left out of foolish sexual indoctrination! Early education should focus on basic Reading, Math, Civic duty development, and the importance of Responsibility. Good-bye, Disney!
You’re out of my Retirement portfolio today!