Washington, Mar 12:
Entertainment and theme park giant Disney has stopped all political donations in the state of Florida in response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ Parental Rights in Education bill, dubbed by critics as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, Financial Times reported on Saturday.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek said in an email to the company staff that ‘Today, we are pausing all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review’.
Staff at Disney-owned Pixar Animation Studios had complained to Chapek that they were ‘greatly disappointed, hurt, afraid and angry’ over the company’s silence on the passing of the bill by the Democrats in Florida.
Disney has been facing weeks of criticism both internally and externally over its lack of public response to the bill.
Chapek also said that Disney would be bolstering its support for campaigns aimed at preventing ‘similar legislation in other states’ as part of an effort to ‘ensure our advocacy better reflects our values.’ and said that the company would suspend all its political donations in Florida and review its strategy for contributing to campaigns.
The bill bars teachers from teaching or discussing about ones sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools with children under 10 years old.
Critics have said that the bill will isolate LGBT youth. Proponents say it is about empowering parents on education issues.
The Republican-backed legislation passed on Tuesday. (UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
