Walt Disney Company Reacts to 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Being Signed Into Law, Vows To Help Repeal

The Walt Disney Company is reacting to the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill being signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday (March 28).

The company, who has been highly criticized recently for their response to the legislation, is speaking out and taking a stand against the bill.

See what the company said inside…

“Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have passed and should never have been signed into law,” a Disney spokesperson said, via Deadline. “Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that. We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country.”

The “Don’t Say Gay” bill, aka the Parental Rights In Education Bill, bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade classrooms, and has drawn up a lot of scrutiny.

According to AP, the bill states, “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”

Just last week, many Disney employees staged a nationwide walkout in protest of the company’s response to the legislation. The cast of Raven’s Home was among those walking out.

If you missed it, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has apologized for the company’s response and admits he “missed the mark.” He has also previously said the company will pause political donations in Florida and will make a $5 million donation to LGBTQ to organizations working to protect LGBTQ+ rights, including the Human Rights Campaign, who declined the donation.