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After Signing of Controversial Florida Bill, CA Governor Tells Disney, “Let’s Talk”

Gavin Newsom Bob Chapek

Just a few days ago, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the Parental Rights in Education Bill. The bill would prohibit educators from speaking on certain topics, like gender identity and sexual orientation, in classrooms from Kindergarten through 3rd grade. The bill has been controversial from the start, and critics are calling it the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Ron DeSantis

Credit: ABC

While Disney originally remained mum as the bill passed through both the Florida House and the State Senate, they have since spoken out against it, many times. Disney’s denouncement of the bill has put them at odds with Governor DeSantis. Disney CEO Bob Chapek has said that the company will work to have the bill repealed in the Courts. After that, the Governor held a press conference and said that corporate executives and companies like Disney do not dictate how the state runs.

Disney Pride

Credit: Disney

What makes this whole thing particularly precarious is that Disney is planning to move thousands of employees to Florida. The company’s new Lake Nona campus is supposed to become the new Imagineering hub. However, with Disney pausing all of its political donations in the state, it has many wondering if Disney should continue with the move. Florida has given the company a huge tax break for doing the move.

Lake Nona

Credit: LakeNona.com

Now another Governor is jumping into the fray. For decades, The Walt Disney Company has been based in Burbank, which is in Southern California. Unfortunately, California is not known for being as tax-friendly to corporations as Florida. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom is indicating that he would be willing to work with Disney when it comes to its taxes.

Gavin Newsom

Credit: Associated Press

After the passing of the bill, Newsom tweeted at The House of Mouse that California has no such bill. He also linked an article that stated Disney should reconsider its Florida move.

Hey Disney – We here in California respect your employees’ families. We think our LGBTQ residents are part of what makes our state great. Let’s talk.

At this time, Disney has not responded publicly to the Governor’s tweet. However, Bob Chapek has been in the hottest water with his LGBTQ+ Cast Members who feel the company did not start caring about them until it was too late. Many are also speculating about how long Chapek will remain with the company, due to his increasing unpopularity. So, it is possible that, in order to stand by his words, Chapek may be reconsidering the move and possibly meet with Governor Newsom.

About Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!