DeSantis Takes Call from Disney CEO, Maintains Support of Parental Rights Bill
March 10, 2022 Updated 8:04 A.M. ET
TALLAHASSEE (FCV) – Wednesday, Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek said that he called Governor Ron DeSantis (R) regarding the Parental Rights in Education Act recently passed by the Florida legislature.
After it was brought to public attention that Disney donates to DeSantis and other supporters of HB 1557, Disney went under immense pressure to ‘speak out’ against the so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill,’ the falsified nickname attributed to HB 1557.
The bill passed the Senate 22 to 17.
“I called Gov. DeSantis this morning to express our disappointment and concern that if legislation becomes law it could be used to unfairly target gay, lesbian, nonbinary, and transgender kids and families,” Chapek said in a call with Disney shareholders.
According to Chapek, DeSantis has agreed to meet with him and “LGBTQ members” of Disney’s senior team in Florida.
Chapek continued that Disney is deciding how it will make further political contributions, but defended Disney’s actions, saying that both sides of the political aisle could make objections to their donations on a number of issues.
In response to the call, DeSantis’ office came out and said that he “has always been open to hearing from Floridians about legislation – as long as those discussions are grounded in facts, not false media narratives.”
“Anyone who has questions or concerns about the Parental Rights in Education bill is encouraged to read the bill, rather than the distorted coverage in mainstream media, which regurgitates false partisan talking points,” he continued.
“This is the first time we have heard from Disney regarding HB 1557. The governor did take the call from Mr. Chapek. The governor’s position has not changed. No in-person meeting has been scheduled yet. Disney is a family-friendly company that creates wholesome entertainment for kids.”
“The same Florida parents who take their families to Disney also support parental rights in education, because they do not want their young children exposed to inappropriate content about sex and gender theory at school.”
DeSantis has indicated support for the bill and will likely sign it. It does not ban the word ‘gay’ in classrooms, as leftists suggest. Rather, it goes after very specific sexual and gender education – of all forms – in certain lower grades. Its main focus is the right of parents to know about their child’s emotional well-being.
