Disney Loses Florida Dems' Fundraiser Over 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Controversy
Democratic Party has pulled an annual fundraising event scheduled to be held at Walt Disney World following the controversy over Disney's response to the state's controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill.Hours after the party's LGBTQ+ caucus said it would skip the event in protest, the party chair issued a statement declaring their intent to reschedule and move the event, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The legislation has led to protests and walkouts among Disney employees who have voiced their frustration over the company's slow response in condemning the bill.Stephen Gaskill, head of the party's LGBTQ+ caucus, called the fact that the annual "Leadership Blue" event was still scheduled to take place during Pride Month in June "tone deaf," and urged the party to "read the room" and either cancel or move the event, the Times reported."Our timing was not ideal.
We also acknowledge that in our fight for freedom and fairness, we can always do more," Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz said in a statement Tuesday. "In that spirit, the Florida Democratic Party will choose new dates and venues to hold Leadership Blue.
We will share information about new arrangements once we have explored available options."The controversy also drew comment from other state officials, including Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is also the only statewide elected Democrat in office and may run against Governor Ron DeSantis in November.
