Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Slams Disney For Opposing ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Disney had “crossed the line” in their vow to repeal the Parental Rights in Education bill that he signed into law on Monday.

The bill, dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by opponents, restricts education on sexual orientation and gender identity for children in kindergarten through third grade, intending to allow parents to have control over when and how they want to have the discussion.

“For Disney to come out and put a statement and say that the bill should have never passed and that they are going to actively work to repeal it, I think, one, was fundamentally dishonest, but, two, I think that crossed the line,” DeSantis said.

“This state is governed by the interests of the people of the state of Florida. It is not based on the demands of California corporate executives,” DeSantis added. “They do not run this state. They do not control this state.”

DeSantis went on to criticize Disney’s Monday statement mentioning that Disney had not spoken out about it until the law was already passed, which was confirmed by the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Chris Sprowls (R).

Disney CEO Bob Chapek made an earlier apology for failing to condemn the bill.

“It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down,” Chapek said earlier this month in a message to employees. “I am sorry.”

The company also promised to stop making political donations in Florida.

Watch DeSantis’ full address of the issue below.

#BREAKING: Gov. Ron DeSantis fires back at Disney after media giant says its "goal" is repeal of Parental Rights in Education Act: "This state is governed by the interests of the people of the state of Florida. It is not based on the demands of California corporate executives." pic.twitter.com/4NToMU84bR

— Forbes (@Forbes) March 29, 2022