Disney warns that if DeSantis wins lawsuit, others will be punished for ‘disfavored’ views

By MIKE SCHNEIDER
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney claims its free speech rights were violated by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and is fighting him in federal court. The entertainment giant warns that if the Republican leader wins, Disney won’t be the last entity to be punished over supporting a ”disfavored viewpoint.” The company argued in court papers Monday against a motion by DeSantis to dismiss the Disney’s First Amendment lawsuit in Tallahassee. The lawsuit says DeSantis unconstitutionally revamped and took over Walt Disney World’s governing district after Disney publicly opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades.