Boycott Disney Calls Grow Over Bob Chapek's Refusal to Condemn 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Disney boycott after the company's CEO Bob Chapek refused to publicly condemn Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill.Chapek is facing harsh scrutiny on social media after declaring in a memo that The Walt Disney Company "unequivocally" stands with its LGBTQ+ employees, but wouldn't directly condemn the controversial bill making its way through the Florida legislature."We are committed to creating a more inclusive company—and world.
I understand that the very need to reiterate that commitment means we still have more work to do," Chapek said in an internal memo to staff on Monday.Florida's new legislation, which is seen by many as discriminatory, was passed by the state's House last month.The Republican-controlled Florida Senate is expected to vote as soon as Tuesday on the bill, which prohibits "classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity" in certain grade levels in schools.Directly addressing Disney's silence on the bill, Chapek added in the staff memo: "I do not want anyone to mistake a lack of statement for a lack of support.
We all share the same goal of a more tolerant, respectful world. Where we may differ is in the tactics to get there."He also highlighted that Disney supports organizations that champion diversity and said in 2021, it provided "nearly $3 million to support the work of LGBTQ+ organizations."As Disney is the owner of numerous properties in the state of Florida, including Disney World, many protestors have called on the company to speak out against the bill.The Orlando Sentinel reports that the company has contributed to every sponsor and co-sponsor of the legislation and will continue to do so.Last week, Disney heiress Abigail Disney, the grandniece of company founder Walt Disney,.
