The Human Rights Campaign agreed to accept a contribution from The Walt Disney Company, months after rejecting it at the height of the “Don’t Say Like Me” controversy.
The move comes as Disney continues to try to repair the damage caused by its response to the Florida Parental Rights to Education Act, which restricts classroom instructions about LGBTQ identity.
Disney initially refused to take a public position on the measure, which led to a significant backlash among its employees. As outrage mounts, CEO Bob Chabek announced that the company would oppose the law and would donate $5 million to the Human Rights Commission and other gay rights organizations. But HRC rejected the money, saying it first wanted to see the company “build on its public commitment” by working closely with LGBTQ organizations.
Human Rights Council spokeswoman Elizabeth Pepe said in a statement on Friday that the organization had agreed to accept the donation after months of discussions with the company. It also praised Disney for standing “firmly” in its support of the LGBTQ community.
“Over the past several months, we have had very productive conversations with Disney about the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies and what they can do to help our community — specifically, what they can do to make the world a safer, more welcoming, and more welcoming LGBTQ+ world,” Bibi said in a statement. Transgender, bisexual, transgender, bisexual, transgender, bisexual, transgender, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and transgender (+) statement. “After the March shareholder meeting, Disney was the only major Florida company or entertainment industry that specifically called for the repeal of the Don’t Say Like Me or Trans law. Disney has been firmly committed to its commitments to our community, and the company has taken real action to meet the needs and commitment of its employees. with their values of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We are grateful for Disney’s meaningful and ongoing engagement on the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies, which build on the company’s many years of strong support for the LGBTQ+ community, and thank them for their support of HRC’s work.”
The Parents’ Rights to Education Act — known to its critics as “Don’t Say Like Me” — prohibits classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, and requires education in subsequent grades to be “age appropriate.” Parents also have the right to sue for alleged violations.
After Disney announced it would work to repeal the law, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a measure eliminating the company’s tax district in Orlando, and said it “would not allow an awake company based in California to run our state.”
The case for the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which includes four theme parks and covers nearly 40 square miles, is still up in the air. Disney has not commented on the Ready Creek legislation, which is due to take effect in June 2023.
Disney also declined to comment on the Human Rights Council’s announcement.
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