Settlement reached in lawsuit between Florida governor Ron DeSantis and Disney | Border Counties Advertizer

Did Disney's Opposition to 'Don't Say Gay' Law Trigger the District's Demise?

In a pivotal move, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board members approved a settlement agreement, putting an end to nearly two years of legal battles sparked by Governor DeSantis's controversial takeover of the district from Disney supporters.

DeSantis's Reprisal against Disney

This dispute stems from the 2022 passage of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, which restricts discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in primary school classrooms. While Governor DeSantis championed the measure, Disney voiced its concerns, prompting a backlash from the Governor.

Punishment Through District Control

As a form of retaliation, DeSantis engineered legislation to seize control of the district, traditionally overseen by Disney allies for half a century. He then appointed a new board of supervisors, a move that Disney contested in court, alleging infringement of its First Amendment rights. However, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in January.

Contested Contracts and Legal Challenges

Prior to the transfer of control, Disney supporters on the then-current board entered into agreements with Disney, granting the company greater autonomy over design and construction at Disney World. The DeSantis appointees later claimed these "eleventh-hour deals" compromised their authority and filed suit to have them nullified. Disney responded with counterclaims seeking to uphold the contracts' validity.

Settlement Agreement: A New Chapter

The recently approved settlement agreement represents a shift in this saga. Disney President Jeff Vahle expressed satisfaction, viewing it as an opportunity for "constructive engagement" with the district's new leadership. He emphasized its benefits for all parties, including continued investment and job creation.

Lingering Questions

While the settlement may have temporarily eased tensions, it remains unclear whether this episode has permanently altered the relationship between Disney and the state of Florida. The issue of corporate free speech in the face of government pressure will likely continue to be debated in the wake of this contentious dispute.