Following last weeks news that Disney denounced the anti-LGBTQ+ bill “Dont Say Gay” Marvel Studios also publicly condemned the heavily criticized legislation.
The bill which passed the Florida House in late February and the state Senate last week, would restrict classroom instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity in the state’s primary schools.
“We strongly denounce any and ALL legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community,” Marvel, which is owned by Disney, wrote Wednesday in a statement posted to Twitter. “Marvel Studios stands for hope, inclusivity and strength; and we proudly stand with the community.”
We stand with Marvel Studios' statement: https://t.co/XX1FJuB2K3
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) March 16, 2022
“Today, we pledge to continue our strong commitment as allies who promote the values of equality, acceptance and respect,” Marvel added.
The announcement comes after Disney CEO Bob Chapek came under fire for the company’s response to the bill.
While at first Chapek remained largely silent he later sent an email to employees addressing the company’s lack of response.
According to the company memo Chapek wrote it was due to corporate statements and that they “do very little to change outcomes or minds” and are “often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.”
However, after receiving backlash from employees within the company, Chapek apologized on Monday for not taking a stand, writing: “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.”
“Our employees see the power of this great company as an opportunity to do good,” said the Disney head.
“I missed the mark in this case but am an ally you can count on—and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility and opportunity you deserve.”
Additionally, Chapek also pledged to pause political donations in the state of Florida.
But for some Disney workers, this was not enough. As a result, a group of Pixar employees said they were “hurt” by Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s response to the bill and have staged a series of walkouts.
To all the employees who felt safe enough to walkout today, thank you.
— Disney Walkout (@DisneyWalkout) March 16, 2022
To those that do not feel they can quite do so, we hope we are doing what we can to support you.
This becomes larger everyday, know that.❤️🔥🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️#DisneyDoBetter #DisneySayTrans #DisneySayGay #WhereIsChapek
According to the “Disney Do Better” walkout group site, from Mar. 15-21 through Monday March 21st employees will begin scheduled walkouts during a 15 minute break period.These small protests will lead up to a full-day walkout planned for Mar. 22.
“The recent statements and lack of action by TWDC leadership regarding the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill have utterly failed to match the magnitude of the threat to LGBTQIA+ safety represented by this legislation.”
“As a community, we have been forced into an impossible and unsustainable position,” the statement continued We must now take action to convince TWDC to protect employees and their families in the face of such open and unapologetic bigotry.”
The Human Rights Campaign revealed last week that it would not accept donations from Disney until it took “meaningful action” over the bill.
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