DeSantis: Disney lawsuit has no merit, 'is political'

STORY: "I don't think the suit has merit, I think it's political," DeSantis told reporters at a news conference during a visit to Jerusalem.

DeSantis, who is expected to challenge former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, has been embroiled in a row with Disney over a Florida measure banning classroom discussion of sexuality and gender identity with young children.

Florida has passed legislation ending special conditions that gave Disney virtual autonomy in the Florida district where Disney World is located and where it attracts millions of visitors a year.

Disney, which has criticised the Florida classroom measure, says the state government has illegally punished it for voicing an opinion that should be protected by free speech rights.