Disney CEO forms task force, promises listening tour in response to LGBTQ+ concerns
March 21 (Reuters) - Disney CEO Bob Chapek on Monday told employees the company made a mistake remaining silent on Florida legislation that would limit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, pledging to use the moment as a catalyst for change.
The comments at a virtual town hall for employees came amid a period of internal strife at Disney (DIS.N), as the company shifted its public statements about the legislation, which critics call the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
A group of employees staged a week of walk-outs to call on Disney to protect its LGBTQ+ staff, their families and communities. A day-long walkout is planned for Tuesda
y.
Disney also said it has established an LGBTQ+ task force to be led by Paul Roeder, senior vice president of communications for the Studios, and Lisa Becket, senior vice president of global marketing for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
The company said the task force will enlist the help of experts to develop a concrete plan to ensure Disney is "a force for good" for LGBTQ+ communities, especially children and family.
The company reiterated its commitment to pause political contributions in Florida, and said it would support the Human Rights Campaign's fight against a Texas Governor Greg Abbott's executive order mandating that the state's child welfare agency treat gender-affirming medical treatments as "child abuse."
Benjamin Siemon, a Disney TV animation writer who is gay, welcomed the apology from executives on their handling of the legislat
ion.
March 21 (Reuters) - Disney CEO Bob Chapek on Monday told employees the company made a mistake remaining silent on Florida legislation that would limit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, pledging to use the moment as a catalyst for change.
The comments at a virtual town hall for employees came amid a period of internal strife at Disney (DIS.N), as the company shifted its public statements about the legislation, which critics call the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
A group of employees staged a week of walk-outs to call on Disney to protect its LGBTQ+ staff, their families and communities. A day-long walkout is planned for Tuesda
y.
Disney also said it has established an LGBTQ+ task force to be led by Paul Roeder, senior vice president of communications for the Studios, and Lisa Becket, senior vice president of global marketing for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
The company said the task force will enlist the help of experts to develop a concrete plan to ensure Disney is "a force for good" for LGBTQ+ communities, especially children and family.
The company reiterated its commitment to pause political contributions in Florida, and said it would support the Human Rights Campaign's fight against a Texas Governor Greg Abbott's executive order mandating that the state's child welfare agency treat gender-affirming medical treatments as "child abuse."
Benjamin Siemon, a Disney TV animation writer who is gay, welcomed the apology from executives on their handling of the legislat
ion.
