Christian group says Disney no-fly zone interferes with free speech

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

The airspace above Walt Disney World has been free of aircraft since March, when the government said the resort was a terrorism target of symbolic value. But a Christian organization that wants to send banner-towing planes over the theme park during this week's Gay Days festivities thinks the no-fly zone equals no free speech.

Read more from The Tallahassee Democrat.

" First of all, they can’t go after Disney because Disney has every right to allow or disallow which persons enter their parks. "

Within limits. Disney engages in interstate commerce, and thus, is subject to Federal anti-discrimination laws. They cannot deny someone admission or lodging based upon race, sex, disability, or religion. While I'm unfamiliar with Florida law, I doubt there's protection for sexual orientation on a state level, and there is no protection of such characteristics in Federal law. (I think. Keeping track is hard and not something that usually strikes my fancy.)

So, theoretically, unless I'm wrong about Florida and Federal law, Disney has the legal right to deny someone admission to their parks or lodging in their hotels because of their sexual orientation. Now, whether that have the moral right, or the guts to do so, is another discussion entirely. Someone, please politely correct me if I'm forgetting a revision to any laws. Thanks.

America isn't all roses and streets paved with gold when you're not a part of the majority. Your inalienable rights don't always apply, and to fight for those rights involves risking your safety, your family's safety, and your livelihood and chances for success for the rest of your life.

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--Maddie--

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Foiled again.

I agree telling others is one thing, but to belittle someone and shove it down their throats is another, I have bumped heads with many of these more agressive Christains screaming at people marching etc. especially at rock concerts that made me uncomfortable and called me a sinner and told me I was going to go to hell for going to the concert the band in no way is satanic, I just think they need to know what they are protesting, not just protest a band because of its name or musical style for example, and to tone it down to a comfortable level, some people I know wont go places where they may be protesting because they are accually scared of them. . .

They just go way too far sometimes and yelling and screaming over somthing that is for saftey like the no fly zone, saying it a violation of free speech is going too far, yes while I know the no fly zone is a big joke and If someone wanted to really hit the parks they could is makes the guests more comfortable knowing that an effort is being made and I don't think anyone has the right to undo that just to alienate a group of people they dont agree with, they can protest on the ground still that is all they should need

On another note there will be non gays there too, you average family with their kids and these kids will be exposed to radical Christains saying Gays are bad and they will all go to hell, that could have a horrible impact on a child and they (the protesters) know that. I have heard one say once "get them while they are young" this method isn't trying to save anyone, all they are really doing is preaching, teaching, and fueling intollerance

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It isn't so bad. . .
Once you're used to it*** This post was edited by Whizzer Boi 6/4/2003 5:35:38 PM ***


but it is DISNEY a FAMILY park, 5 year olds cant comprehend homosexuality. I am all for free speech, but i wouldnt want to get off of space mountain and have my 6 year old ask me what homosexuality is.

Cap'n Obvious sez:
Today I will turn the keyboard over to a special guest, the ruler of StrongBadia.

Your post is CRAP. Stunning in its total crapulence. If crap took a crap, it wouldn't be crappy enough. I've smelled better posts from the Poopsmith's slightly spattered keyboard.

So, like, is your little kid is gonna ask you, "Daddy, how do they get it on?" and then you're gonna pull out diagrams, detailed illustrations and an attractive, 4-color introductory brochure? Is that what you're trying to say here?

I think in the REAL world you're gonna hear something like, "Crap, Dad--why does that teenage boy and his girlfriend like to play tonsil hockey? And where are those hands a-roamin'?" And, of course out will come your "God says, Two thumbs up!" brochure with How-To guides and stuff that will curl your kid into a thumb-sucking, unresponsive ball.

If you ask a little kid, it's ALL GROSS. The gay folks are gross, the straight teens are gross and you and their mom--oh for crap, you two are revolting! We're all so amazed to learn that your particular Christian POV means you invented child-rearing or something. What a load of--say it with me now--CRAP.

-You know who

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The CPlaya 100--6 days, 9 parks, 47 coasters, 2037 miles and a winner.....LoCoSuMo.

*** This post was edited by CoastaPlaya 6/4/2003 6:39:23 PM ***

Chernabog- you are correct that sexual orientation is not a protected class under Federal law or Florida law. Some states and cities do prohibit discrimination on sexual orientation. Most do not. Thus, Disney could discriminate on that basis if it wanted to. However, that was not my point. (Nor am I advocating that Disney do so or advocating that sexual orientation should not be a protected class).

My point is that Disney is entirely within their rights to eject someone if someone enters their theme park, stands on a soap box, and begins to preach about any subject matter. Being a person who wishes to preach to others pro or con about homosexuality (or any other subject) is not a protected class. Nor is it protected by the First Amendment because Disney is a private business. The no-fly regulation is also permissible because it is a safety regulation applied neutrally to the public at large and is not targeted at a specific group or class.

..weird how your post has no username on my screen here...

But, yes, of course you're correct. While Disney couldn't refuse someone admission because they're Christian as they could because they're gay, nobody has a right to solicit on their property. A person's behavior within a park is subject to Disney's discretion, while their admission into the park is largely not.

No confusion meant. Sorry. :)

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--Maddie--

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Foiled again.

These Christian people are trying to fight for freedom of speech, but want to display a banner that argues against freedom of sexuality? Jesus doesn't like hypocrites!

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Tales for the L33t

CoastaPlaya, thank you for your funny and meaningful comments about "crap." You put a smile on the face of this gay boy and gave me some encouragement after reading some of the "crap" in this thread.

BTW, can someone tell me what these Christians are trying to save me from? I don't think anyone would know I was gay if I didn't tell them, and my sexual orientation doesn't affect anyone else, so what are you afraid of about gay people? I don't think I'm going to hell, but what's it to you anyway?

And so what if your child saw a gay couple in public? A gay couple having fun at a park is just as natural and nice to see as a straight couple having fun, and a straight couple showing public displays of affection excessively makes onlookers just as uncomfortable as a gay couple doing the same. In fact, a child wittnessing a gay couple enjoying a "normal and healthy" relationship might help them grow up to not become a person who will write hurtful comments on a forum such as this.

I am a Christian. I think we should read the Bible, but not hit people in the face with it! (I have NEVER seen a paperback Bible.)

Those Christians want freedom to express themselves, so why can't the homosexuals? It's unfair. A lot of parks have a cross imprint on their noses because the Christians whack them with the Bible. Why can't there be a pool of blood by Demon? Why can't we give a coaster a name that doesn't really mean anything bad (Banshee)? Why can't fellow humans express themselves?

Some go too far.

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120+420=TTD

You guys seem to be overlooking a key principle in their sector of Christianity:

The Bible declares that homosexuality is unnatural and sinful. It is a sin grievous to God and repulsive behavior because it rejects God's design for mankind as heterosexual beings.

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Lake Compounce-So Fresh and So Clean Clean

You know, I hate to get all lovey and positive here but ... I've been advocating for Gay/Les/Bi/Trannie rights since high school (oh geez ... that's over 20 years ago ... I need to lie down) and I have to say I'm stunned by how much more tolerant society has become in that very short time. There's a long way to go - as far as I'm concerned - but still - you gotta believe that a thread like this even ten years ago would have turned into relentless hate-mongering immediately.

Or maybe this site is comprised of unusually enlightened people (coaster geeks? enlightened? Did I just type that?). So there you go. Everyone give yourself a pat on the back. The drink's are on me ...

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Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.

I did not mean seeing gay people in public, i meant the sign that said being gay was gonna make you go to hell, or what ever he meant. How do i explain to my five year old wwhat is going on? its not something that is meant for an audience at Disney ITS DISNEY, the HApPIEST place on earth.

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Veck
[url=http://bcptars.com/]Brophy Teenage Republicans
"Park in Arizona? It will happen!"

Love is the greatest form of free speech ever contrived that no law can ever hinder and love is probably the most effective form of evangelism that speaks louder than any words you use.

And while speaking of love:


Every coaster is a labor of love that begins with a gleam in someone's eye!

"You guys seem to be overlooking a key principle in their sector of Christianity:"

"Course, I was writing my post while Vertigo was posting his. I'll leave it to others to point out the myriad things Vertigo surely does in his daily life that the Bible condemns, but I do have one question for him - Do you wear wool? I sure hope not.

By the way - since I assume you are a Christian, therefore supposedly a follower of Christ - please quote one thing He said about homosexuality. Just one.

Didn't think so.

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Age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.

yep, speway got you, there is NOTHING in the bible against homosexuality. Soddom and Gomoram (sp?) is the closest, and that was more about the actual act of sex, not homosexuality.

This will be my final rant on this subject. Now i know many of you people do not like Bill O'Reilly, but last night he had Jerry Falwell on, and O'Reilly actually said something many of you would probably agree with! I am paraphrasing now, but they were talking about how Falwell treats homosexuals as evil. O'Reilly asked him why Falwell has the right to tell them they are wrong and intrude on their personal rights if they are not infringing on your rights?

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Veck
[url=http://bcptars.com/]Brophy Teenage Republicans
"Park in Arizona? It will happen!"

The Bible declares that homosexuality is unnatural and sinful. It is a sin grievous to God and repulsive behavior because it rejects God's design for mankind as heterosexual beings. By the principles of their religion, they have committed themselves to overcome evil with good. The evil is in oppostion to the behavior and acts of homosexuality which as seen as a sin. Gay people, any person to that matter, is not seen by them as evil.

This, in terms, has led the FPN to their campaign against homosexual orginizations, ministries, and activities such as Gay Day. Now also, you must understand, that this is only a small body in the hundreds of sectors of Christianity. Please be courteous, by noting some instead all, when speaking in context of all Christians having these characteristics.

I don't necessarily agree with them, but that is their case.

Spewey, that goes deeper into the religion of Christianity. Christians are followers of God. It is to this belief and the message of the Bible that the God expresses himself in three forms: the Father(Heaven), the Son(Earth), and the Holy Spirit(Within).

The message spread through Christ, wera and are, in Christianity, God's words. In a sense, the entire Bible is seen as God's word because it is His message told through various forms and people.

With that understood,

read, if you should desire, in:

1 Corinthians

2 Thesselonians

Leviticus

If you want their full case,[URL= http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/dallas.html]this wil put it at rest.

Also, it would be hard for you guys to guess what religion I truely follow because I study and gather in-depth knowledge of so many, but to clarify, I am Baptist.

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Lake Compounce-So Fresh and So Clean Clean

Okay Jeff, this has gone into territory we don't need to talk about on a ride enthusiast site. A worthy topic of discussion nonetheless, but not here.
What about homosexual Christians? What are they supposed to do? They can't follow God, or they can't be gay.

How can homosexuality be sinful when homosexuals didn't choose to be the way they are? They didn't do it on purpose. It's not unnatural, they were born that way. It's a mental disorder. It's like being born without an arm. It's probably a struggle enough to try to explain to people how they feel. They're probably as confused about their sexuality as straight people are confused about homosexuality.

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Tales for the L33t

Jeff's avatar
We're still waiting for the specific verse, Vertigo...

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
"Pray that your country undergoes recovery!" - KMFDM

Fafolguy's avatar
Actually, it's not a mental disorder, either. The DSM -IV has no listing for homosexuality anywhere. Trust me, I haven't lost anything by being who I am. Not like being born eith no arm at all.

For those wondering what to tell their children what it means to be gay - just tell them that sometimes men and women love each other, some times men love each other, and sometimes women love each other. The actual sex act need not be involved. Inappropriate behavior knows no sexual orientation, and anyone getting physical in public needs to stop and think of their surroundings.

Whether you approve or not, you may be related to someone who's gay, you probably know someone who is gay, and you have definately ridden a coaster with someone who's gay.

Fafolguy

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I sing sometimes for the war that I fight, 'cause every tool is a weapon, if you hold it right. -Ani Difranco

Vertigo said, "It is a sin grievous to God and repulsive behavior because it rejects God's design for mankind as heterosexual beings."

Then please tell me why God created me this way...gay. "Mankind," in a general sense, is heterosexual, and there is no need to worry about the survival of the species. "Mankind" is also generally right handed, but we don't reject the left handed people.

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