Disney Caught in Political Controversy, Facing Loss of Special District Status Maintained for 55 Years

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] As the U.S. Disney publicly opposed the 'Don't Say Gay' law, which bans classes or discussions on sexual identity, becoming the center of political controversy, the Republican governor of Florida has announced plans to revoke the special status granted to Disney for 55 years.

On the 19th (local time), according to Bloomberg News and others, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated in a press release, "The Florida legislature will consider revoking the authority of all special districts in Florida that came into effect before 1968," adding, "This includes Reedy Creek." Governor DeSantis emphasized in the statement, "It is necessary to review whether independent special districts are properly serving the public interest."

The Reedy Creek Improvement District is the area where Disney World Resort is located. It was designated as a special district by the state of Florida in 1967, recognizing Disney's autonomy. In the mid-1960s, Walt Disney purchased land in Florida and persuaded the state legislature to create the special district, allowing Disney to operate like a quasi-governmental agency by developing without state approval or imposing taxes.

Foreign media analyzed that if the special district status is revoked, the hundreds of millions of dollars in annual financial support Disney enjoys could be cut off. Bloomberg reported, "If the special district is dissolved, Disney's ability to raise funds in the state and local bond markets, amounting to $4 trillion, could be impacted," noting that Reedy Creek's local bonds currently total $1 billion.

Governor DeSantis's remarks came amid ongoing conflicts with Disney over the Don't Say Gay law. This bill restricts education on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade. Disney recently stated, "We will work to see this law repealed," expressing opposition and deciding to stop political donations to the state government. In response, the conservative-leaning Governor DeSantis criticized, "Woke Disney has lost all moral authority to tell you what to do." Florida state legislators have also threatened to repeal the special district law.

Meanwhile, progressive groups criticize Disney for acting too late against Florida's policy. Initially, Disney did not issue a separate statement but took action only after internal protests from employees. The New York Times (NYT) recently evaluated, "Disney tried to avoid offending anyone but ended up losing everyone."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.