Disney employees staged a walkout Tuesday in protest of the company’s response to Florida’s controversial Parental Rights in Education law, which critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. While many employees at Disney headquarters in Burbank, California, did protest, it did not appear to be a massive showing across the company.
“We know how important this issue is for our LGBTQ+ employees, their families and allies, we respect our colleagues’ right to express their views, and we pledge our ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights,” a Disney spokesperson told CNN Business. Some of Disney’s biggest brands also showed support for the LGBTQ+ community as the company-wide walkouts took place. “To ALL who come to this happy place, welcome,” Disney Parks posted on its Instagram Tuesday morning, echoing the words of Walt Disney during his dedication speech at Disneyland’s opening day in 1955. “Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is committed to creating experiences that support family values for every family, and will not stand for discrimination in any form.” The post, which included a photo of rainbow colored Mickey Mouse ears, said that the unit opposes “any legislation that infringes on basic human rights, and stand in solidarity and support our LGBTQIA+ Cast, Crew, and Imagineers and fans who make their voices heard today and every day.”