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Disney's CEO buckles, says company will sign a statement opposing 'Don't Say Gay' legislation across the US

As CNN’s Frank Pallotta says below, Disney was getting a lot of flak on social media Monday and Tuesday for not taking a stand against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, better known (thanks to the media) as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which aims to keep teacher-led discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity out of kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. As far as we know, fourth-grade activist teachers are free to go nuts. But if you don’t get to the kids sooner, you see, you’ll end up with another Pulse nightclub shooting.

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Now Pallotta is reporting that Disney CEO Bob Chapek has buckled to the pressure and called Gov. Ron DeSantis to express his “disappointment” with the legislation, which has been described by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki as “hateful” and “horrific.”

Pallotta reports for CNN:

Bob Chapek, Disney’s CEO, was criticized Monday for speaking out about — but not directly condemning — Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill, with some feeling that Disney’s statement fell short. On Wednesday, Chapek agreed with the criticism.

“I understand our original approach, no matter how well intended, didn’t quite get the job done,” he said during the company’s annual shareholders meeting.

Chapek took a stronger stance against the bill Wednesday, telling shareholders that he called Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Wednesday morning to convey the company’s “disappointment and concern.” Chapek said if the legislation becomes law it “could be used to unfairly target gay, lesbian, non-binary and transgender kids and families.”

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How? How are transgender kindergarteners targeted if teachers don’t lead classroom lessons on gender fluidity?

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So Chapek is disappointed with Florida for passing the bill and also disappointed with himself for dropping the ball and not buckling sooner to the Twitter outrage mob.

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