Disney Gets Pushback From DeSantis, Human Rights Campaign Over “Don’t Say Gay” Statement

Tallahassee, FL – Governor Ron DeSantis isn’t happy with the house of mouse after Disney’s CEO speaks out over the passing of Florida’s hotly contested “Don’t Say Gay” bill. In a tweet posted by Press Secretary Christina Pushaw—who faced her own backlash after calling the bill an “anti-grooming” proposal and likened bill opponents to pedophiles—DeSantis accused the company of lining their pockets with money from the Communist Party of China. “Because that’s what they do, and they make a fortune, and they don’t say a word about the really brutal practices at the hands of the CCP,” said DeSantis, per Pushaw’s tweet. “Companies that have made a fortune catering to families should understand that parents don’t want this injected into their kid’s kindergarten classroom. Our policies will be based on the best interest of Florida citizens, not the musing of woke corporations.” DeSantis’ comments follow remarks from Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who expressed “disappointment” in the bill and said he and his office will officially sign a letter opposing it. Additionally, Chapek is apparently slated to meet with the governor, along with a team of Disney cast members affected by the bill.  However, some are displeased with Disney because the company originally made no statement opposing the legislation as it moved through the Capitol. Disney was among 176 companies listed by the Human Rights Campaign as supporters of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation moving forward in the United States. “Laws that would affect access to medical care for transgender people, parental rights, social and family services, student sports, or access to public facilities such as restrooms, unnecessarily and uncharitably single out already marginalized groups for additional disadvantage. They seek to put the authority of state government behind discrimination and promote mistreatment of a targeted LBGTQ population,” said a statement from the HRC. But despite Disney’s response opposing the bill, the HRC said it’s too little too late. In that same response, Chapek pledged to provide a significant financial contribution to LGBTQ+ organization. However, Joni Madison, Interim President of the Human Rights Campaign, released a statement after Chapek’s response and pretty much told him “we don’t want your money.” “The Human Rights Campaign will not accept this money from Disney until we see them build on their public commitment and work with LGBTQ+ advocates to ensure that dangerous proposals, like Florida’s Don’t Say Gay or Trans bill, don’t become dangerous laws, and if they do, to work to get them off the books,” said Madison. Still, the campaign is happy that Disney is trying to move in a somewhat progressive direction, but there’s still more to be done. “While Disney took a regrettable stance by choosing to stay silent amid political attacks against LGBTQ+ families in Florida — including hardworking families employed by Disney — today they took a step in the right direction. But it was merely the first step.” Other advocacy organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, have spoken out against the bill since its inception.  ““It is truly appalling to watch Florida politicians pass legislation that harms and shames school children and turns back the clock on decades of legal, social, political, and economic advancements by the LGBTQ+ community,” said Kara Gross, legislative director and senior policy counsel of the ACLU of Florida. “It is 2022. We’ve had marriage equality in all 50 states for years. But Florida’s legislative leadership wants to force people back into the closet and deny their very existence.” The bill’s fate is now in DeSantis’ hands.