And let’s be clear about the root cause: Resistance to LGBTQ equality.
The impending removal of Walt Disney World’s special tax district is wrapped up in anti-big business rhetoric. But the chain of events that led to “DeSantis versus Disney” began with the Florida GOP’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Homophobia and hate are right underneath the surface of the high-minded talking points about “parental rights in education.”
Of course parents have rights-—but right-wing media stars and conservative lawmakers are galvanizing viewers and voters by demonizing transgender teachers and condemning inclusive Disney shows.
The most incendiary commentators throw around terms like “child abuse” and accuse opponents of “grooming” kids for sexual predation, sometimes by taking a teacher’s comments grossly out of context, or acting like one outspoken educator represents an entire profession.
It is a conservative backlash to growing acceptance of gay and transgender people, with entire networks and websites programming to a fear that conservative beliefs are being trampled on.
“We’re seeing these issues weaponized all over the country,” Democratic political strategist David Axelrod said on CNN Wednesday night.
Florida is one of the focal points. When Republicans in the state pushed the “parental rights” bill that came to be known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law earlier this year, a wide variety of opponents said the law could hurt the LGBTQ community by creating a chilling effect.
The internal revolt prompted both an apology and an adjustment by Disney CEO Bob Chapek. His professed support for those employees and his halt to political donations in Florida provoked stark criticism from Republicans in the state.
That’s when state lawmakers took aim at the unique status that lets Disney operate as an independent government around its Orlando-area theme parks.
Taking cues from DeSantis, the GOP-controlled state Senate voted to eliminate Disney’s privileges on Wednesday and the state House voted the same way on Thursday.
Fine also implored the company to remember that “they are a guest in our state” and said “if you want special privileges, you’d better be on your best behavior.” The expected change would not take effect until June 2023, more than a year from now. That means Disney will have a lot of time and room to negotiate.
Disney, seeing no upside in commenting, has remained silent about the matter.
But DeSantis, sensing a political advantage as he plots a 2024 presidential run, is unlikely to let up. “If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy,” he asserted in a campaign fundraising email on Wednesday.
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