NEWS: Human Rights Campaign Refuses Disney Donation Calling For "Meaningful Action"

After receiving criticism for not issuing a public response on Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Disney CEO Bob Chapek shared a statement regarding the company’s ongoing LGBTQ+ efforts in their annual shareholder meeting yesterday.

Disney World Pride Month Banners

Chapek revealed that the company was “opposed to the bill from the outset” and was lobbying privately against the legislation, however, ultimately failed despite “weeks of effort.” As next steps, he announced that Disney would be donating signing the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) statement opposing legislative efforts like the one in Florida, and donating $5 million towards the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBTQ+ organizations. However, the HRC has denied the donation and issued a response.

Shortly after the annual shareholders meeting, Interim President of the Human Rights Campaign, Joni Madison, issued a press release stating that “The Human Rights Campaign will not accept this money from Disney until we see them build on their public commitment and work with LGBTQ+ advocates to ensure that dangerous proposals…don’t become dangerous laws, and if they do, to work to get them off the books.”

Disney Springs

Madison also noted that “HRC encourages Disney, and all employers, to continue to fight for their employees…and the LGBTQ+ community” and said that “This should be the beginning of Disney’s advocacy efforts rather than the end.”

Pride Banners in Disney Springs

Following the response from HRC, a spokesperson from The Walt Disney Company released a statement, according to Variety, confirming that Disney signed the HRC’s national business statement and said that they are “surprised and disappointed that [the HRC] will not take our financial support at this time.” However, Disney still remains “committed to meaningful action to combat legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community.”

Pride Donut from Everglazed in Disney Springs

In addition to the company’s pledge to donate to the HRC and other LGBTQ+ organizations during the annual shareholder meeting, Chapek also announced that he spoke with Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, regarding the bill and revealed that DeSantis had agreed to meet with him and other Disney executives to discuss ways to address their concerns.

According to CNN, a representative from Governor DeSantis’ office (Christina Pushaw) confirmed that Disney contacted them yesterday and stated that “The governor did take the call from Mr. Chapek. The governor’s position has not changed. No in-person meeting has been scheduled yet.” Pushaw added that “This is the first time we have heard from Disney regarding HB 1557.”

Rainbow Minnie Ears

If you’re not familiar with the bill, it proposes a variety of rules and regulations on when and how teachers and staff at public schools can discuss gender and sexual orientation. It also mandates that school districts “notify parents of healthcare services” provided to their child and allows for parents to “bring action against [the] school district” if this is not done.

Rainbow Collection

The bill passed the Florida Senate recently and now has been sent to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature. This is a developing story, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest updates.