The Florida Senate passed a bill earlier this month prohibiting “the classroom topic of sexual orientation or gender identity” in primary schools. Gov. Ron DeSantis has stated his intention to sign the bill into law, which opponents have called as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Following the Walt Disney Company, one of the state’s top employers has been rocked by the bill’s progress through Florida’s legislature. The Company sparks a conservative backlash, facing internal pushback from employees. After days of criticism from employees internally and on social media, Disney’s ‘woke’ announced Disney will pause all political donations in Florida.
ESPN staffers called for a moment of silence late last week in protest of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ plans to sign a bill restricting what Florida schools can teach young students about gender and sexuality, among other things. The Parental Rights in Education bill (HB 1557) is a law that would give parents more control over their children’s education. Its detractors claim that it discriminates against LGBTQIA+ people.
ESPN anchor Elle Duncan, aka light-skin Jemele Hill, took to the airwaves to express displeasure with Florida lawmakers, noting that many of her ESPN colleagues planned to walk out that afternoon.
“We understand the gravity of this legislation and also how it is affecting so many families across this country, and because of that our allyship is going to take a front seat. And with that, we’re going to pause in solidarity. ”
Elle Duncan joining her colleagues and speaking up. pic.twitter.com/Ger5i2yLLj
— Ben Koo (@bkoo) March 18, 2022
ESPN basketball broadcasters Carolyn Peck and Courtney Lyle also express their concerns.
“There are things bigger than basketball that need to be addressed at this time,” Lyle said. “Our friends, our family, our coworkers, the players, and coaches in our community are hurting right now. Our LGBTQIA+ teammates at Disney asked for our solidarity and support. ”
Today during the Women’s NCAA Tournament, ESPN’s Carolyn Peck and Courtney Lyle remained silent for two minutes in opposition of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
“There are things bigger than basketball … Our LGBTQIA+ teammates at Disney asked for our solidarity and support.” pic.twitter.com/d0xISZvNUh
— The Recount Alt (@therecountalt) March 18, 2022
According to the Guardian reports, Staffers at Disney, which is ESPN’s parent company, planned to hold walkout protests to protest the legislation.
News Hour First also reported:
Governor DeSantis also called out the lies, pushing back against a reporter’s use of the “Don’t Say Gay” title during a press conference last month.
He said, “Does it say that in the bill? Does it say that in the bill? I’m asking you to tell me what’s in the bill because you are pushing false narratives”
When the reporter responded with the point that the bill prohibits classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation.
DeSantis pushed back, stating: “For who? For grades pre-K through 3. So, five-year-olds, six-year-olds, seven-year-olds.
The idea that you wouldn’t be honest about that and tell people what it actually says is why people don’t trust people like you.”
In February, he told Fox News “Some discussions are for [having] with your parents,” “And I think when you start having sexual-type discussions with children, you’re entering a very dangerous zone. Your awareness should pop up right away, this isn’t teaching.”
Just one day after Chapek’s comments, Governor DeSantis issued a sharp rebuke of Disney, calling out the company’s “woke” stance on the Parental Rights in Education bill as well as its ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
Sources: Newshourfirst, Theguardian, Hollywoodreporter
