Disney Promises to Help Repeal Florida’s Anti-LGBTQ Parental Rights Law Despite Operating in Countries that Discriminate Against LGBTQ People

Disney has promised to support organizations working to repeal Florida’s new Parental Rights in Education law, which has been criticized for its anti-LGBTQ stance. The law prohibits teachers from providing classroom instruction on “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” to students in kindergarten through third grade. Disney announced that it is committed to supporting national and state organizations working towards repealing or striking down the law. The company has faced employee walkouts and LGBTQ backlash for its delayed response in condemning the law.

However, some have pointed out that Disney is still doing business in multiple countries that discriminate against LGBTQ people. For instance, its subsidiary, Disney Cruise Lines, offers a 9-night Southern Caribbean cruise to Antigua, Dominica, and St. Maarten. In Antigua, same-sex sexual activity is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and there are no laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex sexual activity is also illegal in Dominica, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. In St. Maarten, it is illegal to perform same-sex marriages, and changing one’s legal gender is prohibited.

While Disney has pledged to support organizations advocating for LGBTQ rights in Florida and across the country, it has not responded to inquiries about whether it plans to sever ties with the countries where it operates. This has raised concerns among some LGBTQ activists, who argue that the company’s actions in these countries contradict its statements in support of LGBTQ rights. Critics have called on Disney to either stop doing business in these countries or work to promote LGBTQ rights in those regions.

In conclusion, Disney’s promise to support organizations working to repeal Florida’s anti-LGBTQ Parental Rights in Education law has been met with mixed reactions, as the company still operates in countries that discriminate against LGBTQ people. The situation highlights the complexity of balancing business interests and social responsibility, and raises questions about whether companies like Disney can truly be considered allies of the LGBTQ community while continuing to operate in countries that oppress LGBTQ people.