Human Rights Campaign Rejects Disney Donation ‘Until Meaningful Action Is Taken’ on ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill

variety.com:

Jennifer Maas TV Business WriterThe Human Rights Campaign has rejected The Walt Disney Company’s donation to its efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights, demanding that the company take “meaningful action” to combat Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation.“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, like Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay or Trans’ bill, don’t become dangerous laws,” Joni Madison, interim president of the HRC, said in a statement on Wednesday evening. “While Disney took a regrettable stance by choosing to stay silent amid political attacks against LGBTQ+ families in Florida — including hardworking families employed by Disney — today they took a step in the right direction.

But it was merely the first step.” The organization’s statement continues by urging Disney to deepen and sustain its advocacy efforts beyond the impact of a single donation.“Every student deserves to be seen, and every student deserves an education that prepares them for health and success — regardless of who they are,” the statement concludes. “This should be the beginning of Disney’s advocacy efforts rather than the end.”CEO Bob Chapek said Wednesday that The Walt Disney Company is pledging $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign and other organizations protecting LGBTQ rights following backlash to the company’s initial quiet response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, as well as a report that Disney has given money to all of the bill’s sponsors.

Chapek, who is taking his first public stance against the bill, says he will also be meeting with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to discuss Disney’s “concerns” over.