Sat, Jun 07, 2003
Federal Judge Upholds Congressional Mandate
It's one of those strange bedfellow arrangements you can only
find in the American judicial system. A group of conservative
Christians and the sponsors of Gay Days - an annual event held at
Disney's two theme parks in Florida and California - have been
denied a federal court petition to lift the restricted designation
from airspace over Disney World (FL).
The Disney no-fly zones were created "under the radar," with
unwavering support from Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Richard
Shelby (R-AL). Language creating the zones - without any
accompanying request from the FAA, the TSA or the Department of
Homeland Security - amounted to 65 words in a 3000 page bill passed
recently by both houses of Congress. None of those 65 words was
"Disney" (ANN: May 13 2003 -
"What Kind Of Mickey Mouse Procedure Is This?")
Same Goal For Different Reasons
Gay Days is an annual event at
Disney World, attracting more than 100,000 homosexuals. Sponsors of
the event want to tow banners over the park with messages like,
"gaydays.com" and "The Girls At Gay Days."
"I don't believe the no-fly zone should be there," said Chris
Alexander Manley, director of marketing for Gay Days, Inc. "There
was one group that was planning to fly a banner welcoming
everybody."
The Family Policy Network of Virginia also wants to fly banners
over Disney World, albeit with a much different message: "Jesus
Christ: Hope for Homosexuals.com." Under the current restrictions,
instituted March 18, 2003, no aircraft - except those taking off or
landing at nearby airports - can fly below 3000 ft. within three
miles of the park.
Disney opposed lifting the bans over both Disney World and
Disneyland (CA). In Friday's decision, federal judge Anne C. Conway
denied the Family Policy Network's request for a restraining order
against the no-fly zones. "We pursued the FAA restriction for the
safety and enjoyment of our guests and believe this extra layer of
protection is in the best interest of those who visit and work at
Walt Disney World Resort," spokeswoman Rena Callahan said.
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