Over the past several days we’ve seen a number of developments made in Florida related to a controversial bill surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.
We’ve already shared Disney’s initial response to the Bill, and Bob Chapek’s comments regarding the Bill as well. Today, during Disney’s Shareholder Meeting, Disney CEO Bob Chapek once again made comments regarding the bill and now we’ve got all the details.
The Bill that is at the heart of this issue is what critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. Its full name is the “Parental Rights in Education” Bill. As The Hill notes, if passed, the Bill would “restrict mention of LGBTQ+ topics in classrooms that are not ‘age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.'” The bill would also provide parents with “greater authority to take legal action against school districts believed to be in violation.”
To learn more about the Bill, read some text from the Bill, see criticisms of Disney’s response, and more, click here.
Again, Disney initially issued a statement that was released through Good Morning America and Bob Chapek also issued some comments about the Bill.
But during the Shareholder Meeting held on March 9th, 2022 Chapek once again discussed the Bill prior to taking questions from shareholders. During the Shareholder Meeting, Chapek acknowledged that many “are upset that [Disney] did not speak out against the Bill.” He then shared that they were “opposed to the bill from the outset, but [] chose not to take a public position on it because [they] thought [they] could be more effective working behind the scenes, engaging directly with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.” Chapek shared that they were “hopeful that our longstanding relationships with those lawmakers would enable [them] to achieve a better outcome.”
Despite “weeks of effort,” however, Chapek noted that they were unsuccessful in changing things “behind the scenes.” The Bill has in fact passed the Florida Senate (and the Florida House) and now is on its way to the desk of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature.
Still, Disney is taking more action on this issue. Chapek shared that he called Governor DeSantis to express his “disappointment and concern that if legislation becomes law, it could be used to unfairly target gay, lesbian, non-binary, and transgender kids and families.” He shared that he actually had an “extraordinary conversation” with the Governor about the genesis of the legislation, the process the state went through to get the legislation approved by the House and the Senate, and, most importantly, what comes next.
According to Chapek, Governor DeSantis has “committed” to him that he (DeSantis) wants to make sure the law cannot be weaponized by individuals or groups in the state to unduly harm or target individuals who are gay, lesbian, non-binary, transgender, and others.
Chapek shared that the Governor has encouraged them to take a look at the legislation as written and come up with some ideas and concerns regarding parts of the legislation that could lead to its weaponization. Governor DeSantis is reportedly “open” to finding out what aspects of the legislation would be most concerning.
Chapek also shared that DeSantis has agreed to meet with him and a small delegation of Cast Members who are involved in this movement to discuss their concerns surrounding this Bill. Chapek shared, “Certainly, the outcome in Florida was not what many of us were hoping for, especially our LGBTQ+ employees, and unfortunately, legislation targeting their communities is being considered in many other states, which means this fight will go on.”
So what will happen next? Chapek shared that Disney will be “signing the Human Right’s Campaign’s statement opposing such legislative efforts around the country” as well as “pledging $5 million towards organizations,” including the Human Rights Campaign, that are “working to protect LGBTQ+ rights.”
Chapek also reiterated, as his earlier comments had said, that Disney will be “reassessing” its “approach to advocacy, including political giving in Florida and beyond.” Chapek closed by saying, “I understand our original approach, no matter how well-intended, didn’t quite get the job done, but we’re committed to support the community going forward.”
We’ll continue to look for more updates on this matter and share those with you.
Cameron says
It appears fairly obvious that Chapek was bullied into saying something. This despite the likelihood that he would’ve preferred to stay out of it(the best course of action here)
Jackie Shipley says
And if Chapek believes what DeSantis tells him regarding this bill, then I’ve got a bridge to sell him. Making excuses for DeSantis and the FL legislature as boycotts of FL (including Disney) will begin when this goes through. Those of us WDW fans with friends and family members who are gay, trans, non-binary will stay out of FL, including WDW.
Conrad Richardson says
I believe that Disney should provide a place and entertainment that has no agenda for or against anything open to all where no one will be uncomfortable.
Ron says
Mr. Chapek. Florida needs Disney as much as Disney needs Florida. A $5 Million dollar donation is hypocritical and cowardly. Stand up to Governor DeSantis with words and actions. Nothing should change within Disney World, not products sold or policies.
Cameron says
Good grief…my previous innocuous comment about Chapek being forced to respond, fails to get posted on here. It’s pretty apparent the side of DFB’s bread is buttered.
Anthony says
I feel Bob Chapek should resign or be fired. He is destroying Didsney.
Traci says
What Conrad said! I don’t go to Disney to learn values, I go to Disney for vacation and entertainment. I do not send my child to school to learn values. That’s my job, and each family has their own values like it or not. Schools need to start teaching better in subjects that we are falling behind in such as math and science. We are falling behind other countries in those subjects and overall that is dangerous for our country.
Anthony says
Keep politics out of Disney. Bob you have to go
Jeffrey says
I hope it’s his money, and not Disney’s money, because we don’t need them to raise prices to cover it! And I wonder if he actually read the bill, because it’s for grade K through 3rd. Maybe people should be more concerned if students can read, write and do arithmetic, because are schools seem to be failing in that area. Disney should stay out of politics!
Marija says
I am glad that they finally came out and said something about it. I just wish they would have done more sooner and prevented this from getting passed (Disney has a lot of sway and can get the job done if they choose). The world is a diverse place and it should be discussed and celebrated, not ignored and shamed.
Jesse says
Ok so it seems I cannot say someone looks foolish especially when it refers to a ceo of a major theme park. Does that make sense? What happened to freedom of speech? I wasn’t rude, i wasn’t belligerent. Come on DFB. BCW(Bob Chapek World) has become a place for the wealthy, elite, and now a place for political activism. I sure miss that one park they used to have there on the same property. You guys remember, it was started by a man who wanted a place for families to go and spend wonderful moments, build great fond memories, and enjoy the escape of the very things BCW promotes. I’m so glad I was able to experience that former resort with my children before they got rid of that park and changed it to BCW.
Debbie Pasell says
Disney has no business meddling in our children’s moral education any more than the schools do. That is the parents job! We will not be renewing our annual passes after 19 years.
No One says
The Bill isn’t even called “Don’t Say Gay”! It’s making sure that no sexual conversations are happening in classrooms from kindergarten to third grade! We parents have rights to decide what our children get taught at what age. If people and teachers are so butt hurt about not being able to teach their propaganda to our children, they are in the wrong profession. My 3 year old has no business being told anything about sex or gender.
Ron says
Please tell me who says teachers in grades 1-3 teach children about Sex and Gender. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR NEWS FROM? Please explain, Thanks.
Amy says
Agree, it’s sad that I can’t take my kids to the old park and they will never get to experience it the way I did. Disney needs to stay out of politics and we will not going or supporting them anymore.