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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDisney suspends political donations in Florida after bill restricting LGBTQ discussion
Earlier DU thread: Disney CEO addresses silence on Florida 'Don't Say Gay' bill
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Source: Washington Post
Disney suspends political donations in Florida after bill restricting LGBTQ discussion
The companys slow response stands in contrast to its branding as LGBTQ-friendly.
By Kelsey Ables
Yesterday at 6:38 p.m. EST|Updated yesterday at 7:42 p.m. EST
Disney announced on Friday that it would pause all political donations in Florida in the wake of a controversial state bill that restricts discussion of LGBTQ issues in public schools. Over the last few weeks, the company had received criticism for remaining silent about what critics call the dont say gay bill, which is expected to be signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
In a statement sent to employees on Friday, Disney CEO Bob Chapek also announced that the company would increase support for advocacy groups fighting similar laws elsewhere (such as one recently introduced in Georgia) and would reassess Disneys political donation policies. Chapek apologized to the companys workers for not making a statement sooner, writing, You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. In response, DeSantis criticized what he called the companys woke ideology.
Disneys slow response stands in contrast to its branding as LGBTQ-friendly. In recent years, the company has featured gay characters in films; Disney stores sell LGBTQ pride-themed merchandise; and its theme parks have a loyal LGBTQ fan base. More than 150,000 visitors come to Orlandos Walt Disney World during what are known as annual gay days.
According to Popular Information, an independent accountability journalism newsletter, the company has given nearly $300,000 to backers of the Florida bill in the last two years, and the Orlando Sentinel reported that since 2019, Disney has given more than $100,000 to the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC.
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Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2022/03/12/disney-donation-pause-dont-sat-gay-bill/
Non-paywalled link: https://wapo.st/37lovUF
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)As I recall.
50 Shades Of Blue
(9,777 posts)NQAS
(10,749 posts)This is an excellent opportunity to simply stop the contributions. Forever. Its Disney. Florida pols may whine but its fucking Disney. They both need each other, regardless of political contributions. They could be the vanguard of major reform.
I know. Im delusional.
dsc
(52,130 posts)and the governor who will sign this bill to viable opponents of those people.