DeSantis and Disney finally bring an end to feud caused by criticism of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law

The feud between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World, sparked by criticism of the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law, has ended after nearly two years.

On Wednesday morning, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District approved a settlement between Allies of Ron DeSantis and Disney. The litigation first began when Disney criticised the 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law, which banned classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades.

The Florida governor, who had championed the law, subsequently took control of the district that governs Walt Disney World thanks to the state’s Republican-controlled legislature. He then appointed his own board of supervisors. The district, which Disney supporters previously controlled, provides municipal services — such as firefighting — to the park.

Disney sued, claiming their free speech rights were violated for speaking out against the law — but a federal judge threw out their case in January. US District Judge Allen Winsor determined that Disney lacks standing to sue the government, arguing that a “plaintiff cannot bring a free speech challenge by claiming that the lawmakers who passed it acted with a constitutionally impermissible purpose.”

Mr DeSantis praised the settlement during a Wednesday afternoon press conference.

“I think that there’s a desire to move forward,” he told reporters. “I think that [Disney has] opportunities to expand their footprint and to continue to attract visitors, and those things, when there, can coincide with the state’s interest. We think that that’d be good, so I think the board will work with them.”

Disney also expressed hope that this settlement could lead to an improved relationship with the district’s leadership.

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