Disney claims DeSantis trying to ‘evade responsibility’ in case filing

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts US on July 26 filed its opposition to a motion to dismiss that was filed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Economic Opportunities Chief of Staff Meredith Ivey and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

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The theme park giant’s lawsuit, filed April 26, claimed the state officials and the district violated the constitutional rights of the company as part of an ongoing battle between Disney and DeSantis.

Disney’s argument to the motion points out the state’s backlash to when the company in March 2022 opposed the “Parental Rights in Education” law — labeled by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Many industry experts said the pushback led DeSantis to pass a law last April to dissolve Disney property’s special governing district Reedy Creek this year.

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