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Disney Opposes Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill, CEO Says, Following Outcry Over Its Silence

03/09/2022
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Topline

Disney CEO Bob Chapek said Wednesday the company is opposed to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill passed by Florida’s legislature, following an outcry from some employees over the company’s failure to take a position on the legislation.

Key Facts

Chapek said at the company’s annual meeting Wednesday that Disney was against the bill “from the outset” but didn’t take a public stance on it, thinking it would be “more effective” to work “behind the scenes” with lawmakers.

Chapek said he conveyed his concern to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) that the legislation would “unfairly target” LGBTQ youths and their families if it becomes law, adding that DeSantis agreed to meet with him and Disney employees.

Disney pledged to donate $5 million to organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, that aims to protect LGTBQ rights.

Disney is one of the biggest employers in Florida, where the theme park Disney World is located, and the company has made diversity initiatives one of its top priorities.

Key Background

Chapek told employees Monday that the company supports LGBTQ staff but avoided taking a political position on the bill, which would ban Florida teachers from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms. Ben Siemon, an actor and LGBT animation writer who took his frustration over the company’s lack of response to Twitter, on Wednesday called on Disney to “publicly say they will stop donating to the politicians who passed” the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The Orlando Sentinel reported last month that Disney donated to all of the bill’s sponsors and co-sponsors. The legislation is headed to DeSantis, who has indicated he would sign it into law.

Further Reading

Disney Opposes ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Florida Bill in Reversal (Bloomberg)

‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Passes Florida Senate (Forbes)

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisakim/2022/03/09/disney-opposes-floridas-dont-say-gay-bill-ceo-says-following-outcry-over-its-silence/