The battle between Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and entertainment behemoth Disney is one of the stranger political stories of the year. DeSantis, a vocal anti-LGBTQ advocate, has taken offense in recent months to the perceived "liberal indoctrination" of children at the hands of Disney. This is a common right-wing talking point that claims Disney is "grooming" children by being accepting of LGBTQ individuals.
DeSantis first took aim at Disney by creating a governor-appointed board that would control the specially exempt land Disney's Florida theme park sits on. Disney responded by nullifying that board's power in an 11th-hour agreement with the outgoing board. DeSantis responded by introducing legislation that would stymie Disney, while also making comments he might build a prison next door. Well, now Disney is hitting back once again
Disney Sues DeSantis On First Amendment Grounds
Disney's latest move is to straight-up sue DeSantis in federal court. In a filing to the District Court of the Northern District of Florida, Disney is suing the governor for a "targeted campaign of government retaliation—orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech." Furthermore, Disney claims that they have been "forced to defend itself against a State weaponizing its power to inflict political punishment." Disney's suit also stated that it was suing because it had the resources to. "a stand smaller businesses and individuals might not be able to take when the State comes after them for expressing their own views. In America, the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind."
So what does this all mean? In short, Disney is suing DeSantis over the First Amendment. The claim is that Disney is allowed to say what they want without fear of retribution from the government. That's because "the government can't punish me for criticizing the government" is literally the First Amendment. Since DeSantis is actively targeting Disney for its views, he is violating the First Amendment. The move is not great for DeSantis, who at one time looked like a 2024 Presidential frontrunner. But now he's watching his hypothetical polling numbers crater while being labeled as the guy fighting Disney. DeSantis, who is currently in Japan, is yet to respond to the lawsuit.
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