A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other defendants, alleging retaliation for the company’s criticism of a controversial parental rights education law.
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor ruled that Disney lacked legal standing to sue DeSantis and the secretary of Florida’s Commerce Department.
Winsor also determined that Disney’s claims “fail on the merits” against members of the board of a special improvement district where the company operates its parks and resort. Disney had controlled the board until the Florida legislature changed its structure in 2022, renaming it the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The governor now appoints board members, subject to state Senate confirmation.
The lawsuit was a response to changes in the board structure after Disney denounced the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in 2022, which limits school discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity.
DeSantis, who promoted the law and clashed with Disney during his presidential campaign, advocated for alterations to the district overseeing Walt Disney Resort.
DeSantis and other defendants sought the dismissal of the suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee. A Disney spokesperson told CNBC on Wednesday, “This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here.”
