Disney is requesting to narrow the scope of its lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis to solely focus on a free speech claim. The company alleges that DeSantis retaliated against them due to their public opposition to a state law that bans classroom lessons about sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades.
On Friday, Disney asked a federal judge for permission to file an amended complaint that concentrates on the First Amendment claim. The legality of agreements that Disney signed with Disney World’s governing district, prior to DeSantis and the Florida Legislature taking over, will be left to another state-court lawsuit.
These agreements transferred control of design and construction at the theme park resort from the DeSantis appointees to Disney. The appointees are currently contesting the legality of these agreements in state court. DeSantis is not involved in the state court lawsuit.
“Disney faces concrete, imminent, and ongoing injury as a result of CFTOD’s new powers and composition, which are being used to punish Disney for expressing a political view,” said Disney’s federal court motion.
The revised complaint aims to challenge the “unconstitutional weaponization of government” and seeks a declaratory judgment to protect Disney from retaliatory actions by the CFTOD Board.
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor rejected Disney’s motion to narrow the scope, citing procedural reasons, but suggested the company could refile its request.
Disney’s request, along with recent motions filed in the state case, shows the interconnected nature of both lawsuits. Disney filed a counter-claim in the state case that asserts many of the same claims made in the federal case. The counter-claim was filed after the state court judge denied Disney’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.
The conflict between DeSantis and Disney began last year when the company publicly opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. In response, DeSantis took over the district and appointed a new board of supervisors. However, their authority was limited by previous agreements with Disney.
In retaliation, DeSantis and Florida lawmakers passed legislation to repeal those agreements.
Unique Perspective: This lawsuit highlights the complex relationship between businesses and politics. The dispute between Disney and DeSantis raises questions about free speech and the limits of government influence on private entities. As these legal battles unfold, it will be interesting to see how the courts navigate the intersection of corporate interests and political agendas.
