He ruled that free speech challenges cannot be brought against constitutionally enacted laws.
District Judge Allen Winsor dismissed Walt Disney Co.’s lawsuit against the Florida government, saying the company lacked standing and that the First Amendment cannot be used to prosecute public officials’ policies.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and state legislators dissolved the special district that had been set up for the company to govern itself over 50 years ago and replaced it with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. This action was taken after the Disney CEO opposed legislation that placed restrictions on how sexual orientation and gender identity are discussed in schools.
Judge Winsor ruled that free speech challenges do not apply to constitutionally enacted laws. He also stated the company had not shown any evidence that the organization had been harmed by the new board.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for federal judges as they hear cases challenging the constitutionality of laws and regulations.
- For state governors and legislatures as they seek to protect school children from exposure to inappropriate information at an early age.
Sources: Reuters, NPR
