Why is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis feuding with Disney?
Al JazeeraThe Republican leader continues his combative stance against company that criticised an anti-LGBTQ law in Florida. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been embroiled in a bitter tussle with Walt Disney Co that began last year when the media company criticised a state bill on sexual identity and has spread to oversight of municipal services at its parks. DeSantis responded by urging the legislature to abolish a special district that gave Disney virtual autonomy over the development of its theme parks in central Florida. In April, the company sued DeSantis, asking a federal court to overturn state efforts to exert greater control over the Walt Disney World theme parks, accusing DeSantis of a “campaign to weaponize government power”. Disney sued DeSantis and members of his recently appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board in a federal court in Tallahassee, saying the state’s actions violated Disney’s contract rights and arguing DeSantis’s efforts represent an attempt to curb the company’s First Amendment rights.