The state of Florida in the United States is considering ending tax benefits for Disney after the company opposed a bill banning the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation in children’s schools. According to the Miami Herald, Disney was working behind the scenes to mitigate the measure and also announced that it would withhold political campaign contributions in the state.
The possibility of a benefit cut was raised by Gov. Ron DeSantis at a news conference today. He explained that state legislatures are considering ending all special districts enacted in Florida before 1968.
The move would end the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the special tax district and governing authority for Walt Disney World Resort, according to the governor.
This district was created by state legislatures in the 1960s and includes 39 square miles, two cities and land in Orange and Osceola counties. It allows Disney to act with the same authority and responsibility as a county government.
In the current situation, Disney can control its own zoning, has its own police and fire departments, and operates independently of any other rules imposed by Florida counties.
After legislation was passed to teach gender in schools, Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek apologized to employees for the way the company had handled their stance on the law and said it was becoming political Stop donations in the state.
Last month, Chapek spoke out for the first time after the company was criticized for making a $5 million (about R$25 million in current dollar) donation to the campaign of politicians backing an antigovernment law . LGBT+ with the title “Don’t say gay”.
According to Deadline, Chapek claimed Disney was working “behind the scenes” to convince Florida senators.