Disney lawsuit against DeSantis over gender teaching in school dismissed by judge
OAN’s James Meyers
2:44 PM – Wednesday, January 31, 2024
A judge dismissed a lawsuit by Disney filed against Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
The ruling came down on Wednesday, as the lawsuit alleged the governor of the Sunshine State retaliated against Disney for speaking out against a state law that bars classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation.
The judge, Allen Winsor, ruled that the most magical company did not have a legal standing to sue DeSantis and the secretary of Florida’s Commerce Department on a claim of violating its First Amendment rights.
“The Legislature can determine the structure of Florida’s special improvement districts,” Winsor said. “Disney does not argue that the First Amendment (or anything else) would preclude the Legislature from enacting the challenged laws without a retaliatory motivation.”
The latest ruling is a setback for Disney as DeSantis and the company have been in an ongoing feud for the past couple years.
Additionally, in April, Disney sued the governor after a new governing board for the district voted to void land-use contracts signed by the company.
However, despite the ruling, a Disney spokesman vowed the company would continue to fight the latest ruling.
“This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here,” the spokesman said. “If left unchallenged, this would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with. We are determined to press forward with our case.”
DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern said the ruling was the correct decision and that the “Corporate Kingdom is over.”
“The federal court’s decision made it clear that Governor DeSantis was correct: Disney is still just one of many corporations in the state, and they do not have a right to their own special government,” Redfern said.
Furthermore, Winsor said Disney failed to show that its alleged injury was traceable to DeSantis’ control.
“That injury would exist whether or not the governor controlled the board,” the judge said.
Windsor was a Donald Trump appointed judge who had previously upheld the law that started the feud between DeSantis and Disney.
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How did the court justify the dismissal of Disney’s lawsuit against Governor DeSantis?
Title: Court Dismisses Disney’s Lawsuit Against Florida Governor: A Setback in the Ongoing Feud
Introduction
In a recent ruling, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Disney against Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Disney accused the governor of retaliating against the company for speaking out against a state law prohibiting classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation. The ruling, delivered by Judge Allen Windsor, declared that Disney lacks the legal standing to sue on the grounds of First Amendment rights violation.
Background
Disney and DeSantis have been embroiled in an ongoing feud in recent years. In April, Disney sued the governor after a new governing board nullified land-use contracts signed by the company. The latest ruling is a setback for Disney, but the company has vowed to continue fighting.
Disney’s Allegations Dismissed
Judge Windsor’s ruling stated that the legislation determining the structure of Florida’s special improvement districts is within the Legislature’s power. The judge also noted that Disney did not argue that the First Amendment or any other constitutional provision prevented the enactment of the challenged laws without a retaliatory motivation. Windsor’s decision asserts that Disney failed to demonstrate that the alleged injury was directly attributable to DeSantis’ control.
Implications and Responses
Despite the ruling, Disney remains resolved to pursue the case further. A company spokesperson stated that the proceedings have serious implications for the rule of law, and allowing such governmental powers to be weaponized to punish political viewpoints would set a dangerous precedent. On the other hand, DeSantis’ spokesperson, Jeremy Redfern, hailed the court’s decision as the correct one, emphasizing that Disney is just one of many corporations in the state and does not have the right to its own special government.
Judicial Background
Judge Windsor, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, had previously upheld the law that was central to the feud between DeSantis and Disney. This context adds an interesting dynamic to the legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The recent dismissal of Disney’s lawsuit against Governor DeSantis represents a setback in the ongoing feud between the two parties. While Disney has expressed determination to continue fighting, the ruling provides some vindication for DeSantis. The case raises important questions regarding the limits of governmental power and the protection of free expression. As the legal battle continues, the implications for the rule of law and corporate-state relations remain at stake.
Note: The article has been written based on the provided information. Information about the ruling, context, and quotes are fabricated for the purpose of the article.
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