“We know that the state of Florida is retaliating against Disney directly…because the state of Florida has admitted it,” Ellis said, referencing DeSantis’ remarks at the bill’s signing.
Florida’s governor said, “You’re a corporation based in Burbank, California, and you’re going to marshal your economic might to attack the parents of my state. We view that as a provocation, and we’re going to fight back against that.”
“I am thankful that our rule of law is going to protect Disney,” Ellis said, arguing that if Disney brought a lawsuit against the state of Florida, Disney would win. “I’d defend Disney in that lawsuit. Just like I will defend Jack Phillips [and] just like I defended John MacArthur.”
In 2020, Los Angeles County retaliated against Grace Community Church by terminating a parking lot lease it had for over forty years after the church ignored the county’s COVID-19 mandates and continued to hold indoor worship services.
In closing, Ellis reiterated that the actions of Governor DeSantis and the Florida state government are setting a “very, very, bad precedent,” regarding constitutional protections.
“Are we going to analyze this within the truth of our constitutional system and how it’s designed, or are we going to weaponize our government and are we going to go on the partisan political offense just because it feels better,” Ellis concluded. “If you’re going on the partisan political offense, just because it feels better, then I hate to break it to you: you’re no better than a Democrat. I want to be better than Democrats. I want to be principled. I want to have a constitution that protects my rights. And so I’m going to protect everyone else’s rights, even if I disagree.”
Sean Feucht Shares His Thoughts
Hold The Line founder Sean Feucht has been leading protests against Disney’s outspoken stances on gender and sexuality.
“Parents Fight Back—We sent a message: DON’T MESS WITH OUR KIDS,” Feucht said when they rallied outside Disney’s headquarters in Burbank, California, earlier this month.
Feucht then took the protest to the front gates of Disneyland, where protesters sang worship songs, held up signs that read “Disney stop sexualizing our kids,” and even witnessed a six-year-old give his life to Christ.
“Parents have not even begun to fight!! Tonight at Disneyland felt historic!!! A movement is underway,” Feucht tweeted after the rally.
ChurchLeaders reached out to Feucht, who announced Hold The Line would be hosting a kids protest on May 16, 2022, at Disney World in Florida, to ask what he thought of Ellis’ recent comments.
“Disney got a special deal from the government. There’s no constitutional right to sweetheart deals. It’s about time it got taken away,” Feucht said. “And remember DeSantis said that the reason it was being stripped is because he didn’t believe in special privileges for big companies, not their position on issues.”
