Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, which critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, has prompted a number of responses from Disney, Disney leadership, and others.

We’ve shared details about Disney’s initial statement, the various statements made by Disney’s CEO — Bob Chapek, and other actions that are set to be taken in response to the Bill. Now, we’ve got another update when it comes to Disney, the Company’s position on the Bill, and what it intends to do next.

The Wall Street Journal notes that the bill at issue, which opponents call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill “prohibits instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten to third grade and in later grades if not ‘age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.’”

You can click here to see more about the Bill, what proponents and critics say, and see other statements that have been made

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Disney company held a virtual town hall meeting on Monday, March 21st, with “Disney leadership and employees.” The virtual town hall comes just one day before the planned walkouts scheduled in response to Disney’s actions surrounding the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill.

During the meeting, CEO Bob Chapek “told employees Monday that the company made a mistake by not taking a public stance against” the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill.

Individuals who attended the town hall said that Chapek shared that he “understood the pain the company’s initial silence on the bill…has caused.” Chapek said, “I and the leadership team are determined to use this moment as a catalyst for more meaningful and lasting change.”

The Wall Street Journal shares that Disney has “said it would be aggressive in opposing an effort by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to have the state investigate parents for possible child-abuse charges if their transgender children receive hormone blockers or other medical treatments.”

Disney also indicated that it would be “creating a companywide task force to develop strategies and action plans to work with employees, creators and Disney partners to be a more positive force for the LGBT community.” Paul Roeder (a film executive) and Lisa Becket (a Disney Parks marketing executive) will oversee the task force.

Those at the Disney town hall meeting indicated that “new content for children and family” will be a “large part” of the focus of this new task force. Chapek and other leaders at Disney have also indicated that they will do a “global listening tour of employees.”

The Florida Bill has passed in the Florida legislature and is expected to be signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis soon. This continues to be a developing situation. We’ll be on the lookout for more updates.

Click here to see more about this Bill and the statements that have been issued by Disney and others

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The post Disney CEO Bob Chapek Addresses “Don’t Say Gay” Bill and Assures Further Changes During Company Meeting first appeared on the disney food blog.