Disney Officially Condemns Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill, Pledges To Help Repeal

Just days after promising to be a “force for good” for LGBTQ+ children and families, Disney has finally released a statement condemning Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, which has just been signed into law.

“Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have passed and should never be signed into law,” said the Walt Disney Company in its statement.

“Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that,” it added.

The company reiterated its commitment to championing the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members within its ranks, in Florida, and across the country. 

To put it simply, the legislation will ban teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in school, which could pose disadvantageous to LGBTQ+ youth or those questioning their preferences.

Initially, Disney CEO Bob Chapek had declined to comment on the bill, but was strong-armed into refuting the regulation after employees walked out in protest of the brand’s silence. 

Chapek then rectified the situation by pledging US$5 million to LGBTQ+ rights organizations, and has said he will meet with Governor DeSantis to discuss the company’s “concerns” about the law. 

Statement from The Walt Disney Company on signing of Florida legislation: pic.twitter.com/UVI7Ko3aKS

— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) March 28, 2022

[via Gizmodo and Variety, cover image via Pindiyath100 | Dreamstime.com]