Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers have terminated a 55-year-old agreement that granted Disney a unique tax status and let it effectively manage its 25,000-acre Disney World complex on its own. The loss of that title is the latest twist in Mr. DeSantis’ continuing feud with the state’s leading private enterprise over a recently approved education reform. The governor signed a measure in March prohibiting sexual orientation and gender identity training and discussion in select primary school classrooms.
Disney Is LGBTQ+ Friendly
The “Parental Rights in Education” law, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by detractors, has sparked debate across the country over the effects that law and others like it may have on pupils. In addition, the Florida law may alter how counseling and other mental health services are provided in schools.
Conservatives have applauded the bill, while LGBTQ+ campaigners and many schoolteachers have slammed it. Although it remained mute at first, Disney became involved in the controversy when its CEO, Bob Chapek, made multiple statements condemning the law. The state’s Republican politicians, including Mr. DeSantis, a prospective Republican presidential contender in 2024, were not pleased with Disney’s reaction. Mr. DeSantis and Fox News commentators began to criticize “Woke Disney” politics in reaction to their criticism of the education measure.
It wasn’t the first time the company has been accused of taking positions that conservatives thought were excessive. They have made various adjustments to its theme parks and online streaming in recent years that have sparked criticism.
This involves “retheming” Splash Mountain to distance it from its source of inspiration, the 1946 film “Song of the South,” which features a former slave telling African traditional stories. The film was also removed from Disney’s streaming service.
