Lawmakers in the state of Florida, United States, have voted to revoke a 1967 special tax regime granted to Disney World following disagreement over gay education among children.

Disney World, a mega resort, has enjoyed special tax district designation for decades. The status afforded the district a special self-governing status that allows it to build roads and control utilities in the 25-acre theme park.

On Thursday, the state house, backed by Governor Ron Desantis, voted to revoke the 1967 deal between the state and the Walt Disney Company, known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Disney, who have so far remained untouchable and held the special tax privilege, generates more than $5 billion in local and state tax revenue. Over 80,000 jobs are created by the park which attracts about 50 million visitors a year.

The company has been a major contributor to political campaigns and candidates across the political divides. They, however, paused political donations in the state following the government’s pushback against gay themes among school children.

Disney which had been promoting and supporting LBGTQ+ agenda condemned the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” education law which prohibits discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity through the third grade in classrooms and limits it for older students, among other things.

The entertainment company had been pushing for inclusivity and diverse sexual orientations through their productions and in their theme parks.

But Florida Governor said he would not allow a “woke corporation” run the state.

“If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy,” Mr. DeSantis, a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2024, wrote in a fund-raising email to supporters on Wednesday. “I will not allow a woke corporation based in California to run our state.”

He continued, “Disney has gotten away with special deals from the state of Florida for way too long… Disney thought they ruled Florida. They even tried to attack me to advance their woke agenda.”

Following the parliamentary vote, the special district will be dissolved on 1 June 2023, giving the government and the company enough time to resolve their issues or fight back.