After initially waffling over taking a position on the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, better known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill because it would ban discussions of gender identity and sexuality in classrooms, entertainment giant Disney has made an about-face thanks to heavy criticism.
On Tuesday, Marvel Studios, which produces the superhero films based on Marvel Comics and is owned by Disney, issued a statement not just condemning the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but “ALL legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“Marvel Studios stands for hope, inclusivity and strength; and we proudly stand with the community,” Marvel said. “Today, we pledge to continue our strong commitment as allies who promote the values of equality, acceptance and respect.”
Florida lawmakers sent the “Don’t Say Gay” bill to Governor Ron DeSantis last week. If he signs it, as is expected, the bill would stop teachers for kindergarten and grades 1-3 from discussing gender identities and same-sex marriages.
Opponents insist doing so would be detrimental to the mental health of children, while supporters have portrayed the bill as preventing “sexual instruction” of minors and “social engineering.”
In opposition, students in several Florida schools have staged walk-out protests and Disney employees are reportedly planning one, as well. The corporation, which operates the huge EPCOT Center amusement park in central Florida, was criticized for refusing to speak out against the bill after having denounced other anti-LGBTQ bills in other states.
Critics pointed to Disney’s extensive political donations to Florida Republicans, including all of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill’s sponsors.
In his March 12 apology for failing to take a stand against the bill sooner, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the company was “pausing all political donations in the state of Florida” pending a review, and that future donations would focus on “support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states.”
According to a count by the national LGBTQ rights advocacy group Human Rights Campaign, at least 160 anti-LGBTQ bills have already been introduced in state legislatures in 2022.
Florida passed a bill last year banning transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports. Others include bans on gender-affirming healthcare for children in several states, and in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott ordered Child Protective Services to investigate parents who allow gender-affirming healthcare over “child abuse.”