Disney Sues Ron DeSantis Over ‘Retaliation’ for ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Stance
The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, alleging that the state’s new law banning instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade is “retaliatory” and violates the company’s First Amendment right to free speech.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Orlando, Florida, names DeSantis and other state officials as defendants.
It seeks to block the law, which was signed by DeSantis last month, from taking effect on July 1.
The lawsuit argues that the law is “a direct and unconstitutional attack” on Disney’s First Amendment rights.
It says that the law “targets Disney for its opposition to the law and its exercise of its First Amendment right to free speech.”
The lawsuit also argues that the law is “retaliatory” and “discriminatory.” It says that the law was passed “in response to Disney’s public opposition” to the law and that it “targets Disney for its opposition.”
The lawsuit is the latest development in a bitter battle between Disney and DeSantis over the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Disney initially stayed out of the debate over the law, but it reversed course after the law was passed and began criticizing it.
DeSantis has responded by attacking Disney, calling it a “woke” company and saying that it is “trying to inject itself into our politics.” He has also threatened to revoke Disney’s special tax status in Florida.
The lawsuit is a major escalation in the battle between Disney and DeSantis.
It is unclear how the courts will rule on the lawsuit, but it is likely to be a protracted legal battle.
The lawsuit is also a sign of the growing political divide in the United States.
The “Don’t Say Gay” law is a popular issue with conservatives, but it is opposed by many liberals.
The lawsuit is likely to further polarize the issue and could have implications for other states that are considering similar laws..