Investor Files Lawsuit Over Walt Disney’s Response to ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill’
By Movieguide® Staff
In a recent lawsuit, one Disney investor claims that the most magical place on earth took too great of a financial risk when they opposed Florida’s Parental Rights In Education bill, which mainstream media labeled the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.”
The investor, Kenneth Simeone, called on the Walt Disney Co. to reveal their internal records regarding their decision to oppose the bill.
The lawsuit argues that the loss of control over tax and improvement issues at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando came as result of their public opposition.
“The financial repercussions from Disney’s actions, and resulting harm to the company and its stockholders, have been swift and severe,” Simeone writes.
Movieguide® previously reported:
The Florida Senate recently passed a bill that would strip Walt Disney Co. of its tax privilege that currently allows the company to self-govern nearly 25,000 acres of land in central Florida.
The designated area, called Reedy Creek Improvement District, is home to the famed Walt Disney World resort, two water parks, and 175 miles of roadway. Previously, the Florida resort received relief from taxes and fees and earned special rights for future building projects.
The new legislation comes after Disney condemned Florida’s recent parental rights in education bill, which employees labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
“Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have passed and should never have been signed into law,’ Disney said of the bill. “Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that.”
“We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country,” the statement continued.
In the weeks after the signing of the new bill, Gov. Ron DeSantis encouraged legislation to look into the possibility of taking away Disney’s protections in the state of Florida, noting that he doesn’t “support special privileges in law just because a company is powerful.”
According to lawmakers, the total economic effect of the bill on Disney and the surrounding counties in central Florida is unclear.
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