Legislators in Florida have just passed a bill that strips the Walt Disney company of the right to self-govern its own land. A deal agreed with the state of Florida in 1967, gave Disney powers to levy tax, build roads and control utilities on the lands of its theme park.
The move is part of an ongoing battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. According to the BBC:
Disney’s special relationship with the state of Florida came under threat over its response to a gender and sexuality education bill signed by Mr DeSantis last month.
Formally called the Parental Rights in Education Law, it has been dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by critics. It prohibits any instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity between kindergarten and third grade – when students are roughly between five and nine years old.
It also calls on school districts to avoid LGBT topics “when not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students”. The legislation also extends to student support services, including counselling, and grants parents the power to sue schools directly if they believe an educator has broken the law.
Opponents say the law will isolate and stigmatise LGBT youth, while supporters say it protects children from age-inappropriate content.
Disney initially stayed tight-lipped on the bill, but reversed course amid pressure from employees to oppose the policy.
After it became law, Disney promised to push for its repeal and fight similar bills across the US.
In response, Mr DeSantis said the company, which has made Florida its home, had “crossed the line”.
DeSantis is 100 per cent right here. Parents should applaud him and legislators around the world should follow his example.
Teachers have no business discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with primary-school aged children.
They’ll figure it out for themselves when they’re mature enough to understand such complex issues.