Bestinau got that-
14:44
Disney’s Opposition To Gender Identity Act Makes DeSantis Angry
Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is threatening retaliation against Disney, the state’s largest private employer, after the latter pledged to work to overturn the state’s controversial new “don’t say gay” law that has sparked discussions about gender identity in schools.
DeSantis has received massive backlash and ridicule over the bill that critics say marginalizes the LGBTQ+ community, including a hard-hitting statement from the theme park giant that supports groups pushing for its repeal.
In return, DeSantis says Disney has “crossed a line” and now threatens to strip the company of the self-governing status it has had for nearly 50 years, allowing it to expand its operations in central Florida almost unchecked.
“Disney has alienated a lot of people now,” DeSantis said at a news conference in West Palm Beach, reported Friday by CNN.
“And so the political influence they’re used to having is gone, I think. And so the question is, why would you want any special privileges in the law at all? And I don’t think we should.”
His comments followed a tweet earlier this week by a Republican state congressman Spencer Roach said talks were underway to repeal the Reedy Creek Improvement Act of 1967, which gave Disney autonomy over its own affairs.
Spencer Roach
(@SpencerRoachFL)Yesterday was the 2nd meeting in a week with fellow lawmakers to discuss a repeal of the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which would allow Disney to act as its own government. If Disney wants to embrace the wakeful ideology, it seems fitting that they are regulated by Orange County. pic.twitter.com/6sj29Gj6Wz
As for Disney, which employs about 80,000 “cast members” in Florida, the opposition is reflecting something of a sea change after it initially declined to condemn the bill. Some Disney workers in California and Florida walked out in protest.
Equality advocates point to DeSantis’ history of alleged opposition to the transgender community, and filed a lawsuit against the law on Thursday.
Learn more about Florida law here:
14:12
Good morning everyone. We made it to Friday, but a busy week in American politics is not over and we have a lot to watch in today’s live blog. In Florida, the Republican Governor Ron DeSantis threatens retaliation against Disney, the state’s largest private employer, for his opposition to the so-called “don’t say gay” law that bans discussions of gender identity in schools.
And on Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives turns its attention to marijuana legalization after narrowly voting Thursday to cap the price of insulin.
A reminder that you can follow developments in the war between Russia and Ukraine on our main news blog here.
Here’s what else we’re watching in the US today:
- The Jan. 6 inquiry continues its work in the House after protracted questioning on Thursday for Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner†
- Joe Biden is scheduled to speak later this morning on the latest job numbers, and possibly other topics if he chooses to answer questions.
- Close union votes Amazon workers in New York and Alabama are nearing their conclusion, and the first results are trickling in.
- White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield will hold its last press conference of the week at 2.30pm.
Updated