Disney employees walked out of the company in protest to Disney’s response to controversial Florida “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The Parental Rights in Education law in Florida, popularly dubbed the Don’t Say Gay bill, has had the support of many Republican lawmakers in Florida. Lawmakers that Disney has given money to in campaigns, prompting criticism of the company for therefore supporting anti-LGBTQ laws by funding the laws’ creators.
Disney Parks posted an Instagram with a photo of a rainbow-colored Mickey Mouse drawing and said that the unit opposes any legislation that infringes on basic human rights, and that they stand in solidarity and support of the LGBTQIA+ cast, crew, and fans.
Earlier in March, after the controversy first came to light and Disney was asked to publicly respond, Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke about the bill in a note to employees.
However, Chapek refused to actually directly condemn the bill in public.
In his note to the company, Chapek said that Disney is continuing to tell “diverse stories,” and that this is a more appropriate response to the Don’t Say Gay legislation. His statement caused fury inside of Disney.
The CEO then apologized for his tepid response after furor from employees. The employees then organized workouts across the world, but especially in Florida, home to the controversial bill. In Florida, there are 75,000 people employed by Disney.
Don’t Say Gay prohibits teachers and school employees from discussing LGBTQ+ issues with children who are in third grade or below.
Another notable Disney brand, ESPN, posted a Twitter thread on Tuesday conveying solidarity with LGBTQ employees, families, friends, and fans. In the tweets, ESPN said it believes in inclusivity and denounces any legislation and actions across the U.S. that infringe on human rights.
Disney+ streaming service also tweeted out saying it stands by the LGBTQIA+ employees, families, friends, and fans.
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