Disney About To Win A Major Decision For Their Parks
Disney, the mega film and animation company, is about to have their Christmas come early. The Walt Disney Company and the state of Florida have been in conflict for most of the year, but it seems like a resolution may happen in the near future.
Within the state of Florida, its lawmakers tried to revoke Disney’s right to operate a private government centered on its theme parks and other amusement areas. But it has come to light that the state of Florida may revoke this move.
This move could resolve any controversy that came from the “Don’t Say Gay” dispute in Florida in which a new state law stopped the discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in any school setting. This incredibly controversial ruling was not taken lightly by the animation giants, who did not hold their tongue when condemning it. Initially, they refused to take a stand on the new law but changed their minds and became one of the LGBTQ+ communities’ most prominent supporters.
It resulted in a public feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and chief executive Bob Chapek. From the feud, the Walk Disney Company special tax was revoked from Florida rulings. This was a massive blow for Disney which received this tax alleviation over fifty years prior.
The special tax received by Disney involved the option for Disney to tax itself if it covered the cost of the essential services in the area known as Reedy Creek Improvement District. The vital services include water, power, roads, and fire services.
The former chief executive of Disney, Bob Chapek, who was involved in this dispute, stepped down from the job role in the company, and the former CEO, Bob Iger, has come out of retirement and returned to the company. As Iger wasn’t involved in the disagreement with Florida state, it is believed he will help in the mediation and recuperation process between the two parties.
A mediation process involving Florida and Disney would result in Disney keeping the special tax allocated to them fifty-five years ago, just with a number of modifications. Lawmakers have warned Florida state that removing this tax would cost the state and citizens over $1 billion as Disney’s private government would no longer be covering the essential services in the area.
The new chief executive/old CEO, Bob Iger, while he is opposed to the legislation, has remained silent on the “Don’t Say Gay” campaign and the consequences it would have on vulnerable teenagers and children.
Florida state law removing any of Disney’s special privileges will not go into effect until the summer of 2023, if at all.
Big companies like Disney should be able to take a stand against different law that pushes and isolates children and teenagers because they identify differently with a significant percentage of the population. Rules like these help no one; the only thing it achieves is spreading hate and negativity. Something that everyone has in abundance. Disney should not be penalized for standing up for human rights.
