Marvel Studios takes a stand against Florida’s anti-LGBTQ legislation
Marvel Studios has denounced Florida’s anti-LGBTQ legislation in the wake of the controversial public response by their parent company, the Walt Disney Company.
The studio released an official statement against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation and affirming their support for the rights of the LGBTQ community.
Marvel Studios takes a stand
The studio shared their announcement on Twitter: “We strongly denounce any and ALL legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“Marvel Studios stands for hope, inclusivity and strength; and we proudly stand with the community,” their statement declared.
“Today, we pledge to continue our strong commitment as allies who promote the values of equality, acceptance and respect,” it read.
The studio’s response is in stark contrast to the response of the Walt Disney Company and its CEO, Bob Chapek, after an initial silence and the following decision to take a soft stance on the Florida bill.
Walt Disney’s cautious moves
While Chapek’s statement had expressed Disney’s “unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community,” he also said he would not take a public stance on the legislation.
Instead, he said that Disney would make a bigger impact by “creating a more inclusive world” through the “inspiring content” they produce.
Because of the backlash, Chapek issued a statement to the Disney employees: “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.”
He added that Disney is “increasing support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states.”
Noting that they are creating a new framework for their political donations, he said that they are “pausing all political donations in the state of Florida pending this review.”
He further said that he reached out to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to express their disappointment and concern over the legislation if becomes a law that would be used to target LGBTQ kids and families.
Reactions to Walt Disney’s response
The handling of the corporation of the issue drew criticism from the public, as well as from its employees.
In a statement obtained by Variety, LGBTQ employees at the Pixar animation studio alleged that Disney corporate executives wanted cuts that featured LGBTQ characters.
They said these cuts were “nearly every moment of overtly gay affection… regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership at Pixar.”
Likewise, a group of Disney employees had planned a week of in-person and virtual walkouts to protest the Disney stance on the bill.
The Florida legislation, which would limit discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools, had been passed by the state’s House of Representatives last February and the state Senate last March.
Presently, Disney houses a large share of its organization in the state, employing many of its people at the Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Disney companies join Marvel Studios
Other Disney-owned companies or extensions have also voiced their own stand against the Florida bill.
The Disney+ streaming service said they “denounce all legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of people in the LGBTQIA+ community– especially legislation that targets and harms young people and their families.”
Meanwhile, Hulu, another Disney-owned streamer, said, “Today and every day, we Hulugans are united against all legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
“We stand with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, storytellers, families, friends, and fans who are targeted by laws that marginalize and diminish their identities and lives,” they declared.
The official Disney Parks Instagram page wrote: “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.”