Disney workers plan to walk out demanding action against the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

LGBTQ workers and employee associates at The Walt Disney Company are planning to walk out in protest of the Florida Education Rights Bill, which opponents have called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Some workers are marching from 3 to 3:15 a.m. every day from Tuesday, March 15, and on Tuesday, March 22, protesters are planning a full-length walkout from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) LGBTQIA + community and their affiliates are determined to take a stand against TWDC’s indifference in the face of the fanatical ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, which was raised by the FL state legislature, “the protest website said.

The website says, “The recent statement and lack of action by the TWDC leadership regarding the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill has completely failed to match the level of LGBTQIA + security threat represented by this Act.”

Opponents of the bill say it would embarrass and silence LGBTQ youth and could have major negative consequences on their mental health.

The bill prohibits guidelines on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten to third grade and will limit or prohibit what classrooms can teach about sexual orientation and gender identity in other grades unless they are “age appropriate or developmentally appropriate”, a threshold unclear. As criticized. Opponents of the bill. This will allow parents to sue the schools involved in these matters

Disney CEO Bob Chapek has been criticized for his reaction to the bill, first for his silence on the law and later for not condemning the bill in his public statement.

Chapek has since said he will pledge $ 5 million to LGBTQ + rights and protection groups, adding that he has contacted Governor Ron Desantis’ office to oppose the bill. He added that a review of any political grant bill in Florida would be put on hold.

“We are working hard to create a new framework for our political delivery that will ensure that our advocacy reflects our values ​​better,” Chepek said in an email to Disney staff. “I am committed to this work and to all of you, and will be involved with the LGBTQ + community so that I can be a better partner.”

Several Disney figures, including ESPN sports anchor Eli Duncan, showed support for the walkout during the television broadcast.

According to Duncan, ESPN employees also take part in daily walkouts. Duncan himself maintained silence during his broadcast in protest.

“We understand the gravity of this law and how it is affecting so many families across this country, and because of this our alliance is going to take the front seat, and with that, we are going to take a break from solidarity,” Duncan said.

ESPN’s Caroline Peck and Courtney Lyle also remained silent for two minutes in solidarity with their teammates during the women’s NCAA Tournament.

“The threat to any human rights is a threat to all human rights,” Peck said during the March 18 broadcast.

In a list of demands on the protest website, the organizers claimed that the politicians associated with the Disney Bill “immediately and indefinitely cut off all campaign funding” and “committed to an effective plan” that could protect employees from discriminatory laws.

Organizers further ask that the company reaffirm its commitment to LGBTQ employees and the community, contribute to human rights advocacy groups, and allocate funds and resources to invest in LGBTQ representations.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News.