Disney Has Lost $34 Billion in Value Since Embarking on Culture War With Florida
April 25th, 2022Via: Epoch Times:
Disney’s market cap has shrunk by nearly $34 billion since the company expressed its full-throated opposition to a Florida law banning instruction of gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools for kindergarten through third grade.
Florida lawmakers in March passed HB 1557, dubbed by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which was signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 28.
That same day, Disney waded deeply into the controversy, issuing a statement that was highly critical of HB 1557, saying it was the company’s objective to have it repealed. From March 28, the day the company issued the statement, to April 22, Disney’s market cap has fallen by roughly $33.9 billion.
Backers of the legislation say it gives parents more power around deciding how and when topics relating to LGBT issues can be introduced to their children. It also gives parents the opportunity to sue school districts for violations of the rules set out in the legislation.
“Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards,” the measure (pdf) reads.
