Florida Tourism Oversight District
Accepts 'Disney Surrender' Agreement
Progressives vs Conservatives 'Culture War' Truce
The legal battle between the state of Florida and Disney, triggered by the 'Don't Say Gay' law that bans education on sexual identity, has come to a close. This is seen as a truce in the 'culture war' between progressives and conservatives over 'political correctness (PC)'.
Local media including The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 27th (local time) that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board decided to accept Disney's lawsuit settlement proposal. As a result, the legal dispute between the two parties that lasted for over a year has ended.
The lawsuit between Disney and the state of Florida originated from the 'Don't Say Gay' law enacted by Florida in 2022. This law prohibits lessons or discussions related to sexual identity, such as homosexuality, for kindergarten and lower-grade students in Florida.
When Disney publicly opposed the bill led by Governor DeSantis, DeSantis strengthened control by appointing his own people to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) board, which has broad autonomy over the operation of Disney World.
Before the board was replaced, Disney responded by signing an agreement with the existing board members to maintain Disney's control over the special district area for 30 years. Through this method, Disney tried to restrict the newly appointed board members, but DeSantis's new board invalidated the agreement, leading Disney to file a lawsuit last year.
After more than a year of fighting, Disney proposed a settlement that included withdrawing part of the agreement it had made with the previous board members. Local media such as the NYT described Disney's settlement as a 'capitulation.' This is seen as Disney raising the white flag after a lawsuit it filed in January against Governor DeSantis for violating the First Amendment (freedom of expression) was dismissed. Of course, the resignation of two board members whom Disney viewed as hostile and DeSantis's partial concession also positively influenced the settlement, the media noted.
Jeff Vahle, president of Disney World Resort, said in a statement, "We are pleased to bring all pending litigation in Florida courts to a close," and evaluated the settlement as "a decision that benefits all parties by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Florida and ensuring sustainable investment."
Governor DeSantis also expressed at a press conference, "I am glad the settlement was reached," and said, "All the measures we have taken over the past year have now borne fruit and moved Florida forward." The media reported that the new board members will actively consult with Disney regarding land use plans within the Florida tourism special district.
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