DOJ sues SeaWorld over accessibility policy

SeaWorld is under fire for its ban on wheeled walkers with seats.

The federal government is suing Orlando-based theme park operator United Parks and Resorts and accusing the parks’ new ban of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The U.S. Department of Justice filed the lawsuit in Orlando federal court after United Parks and Resorts started the policy in November. That same month, the federal government began investigating.

“The ADA requires equal access for people with disabilities, and theme parks such as SeaWorld are no exception,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a statement.

The parks’ new ban quickly created an uproar and led to numerous complaints filed by the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. The ban prompted pushback, including from veterans and a mother of an 8-year-old with medical issues, according to the lawsuit.

United Parks and Resorts, which operates SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“For the safety of our guests and employees, rollator walkers with seats on them are not permitted at SeaWorld Orlando. Alternative personal transportation options, including standard wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available. Walkers without a seat are permitted,” the park said on its website, advertising that rentals costing $40-110.

The federal government’s lawsuit is the second recent high-profile legal action against the company this month.

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the “Sesame Street” brand, sued and accused the company of refusing to pay royalty payments and more.

Sesame Street themes appear on children’s rides and in parades at SeaWorld Orlando.

“While we did not want to end a partnership that has spanned 45 years, we have regrettably determined that the termination of our agreement is the only path forward,” a Sesame Workshop spokesperson said in a statement to NBC News.