Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday legislation prohibiting the state from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity within its public schools. This controversial bill has been dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by opponents. 

The Walt Disney Company immediately condemned the legislationIt was repealed and they pledged their support. Opposition among business leaders has been slowly building momentum this month as it moved through Florida’s Republican-controlled Senate. Starbucks, Nordstrom PinterestThese are just 45 of the 45 companies who quietly signed a petition that was two years old condemning anti-LGBTQ laws.

Retail companies are the latest signatories Target, Mattel LululemonAccording to latest version of the petitionMore than 200 signatures have been added to the. Sony Interactive Entertainment, Deutsche Bank USA, Hyatt Group Hotels & Resort, Yahoo! Shutterstock and Yahoo! 

In recent months the Florida bill has risen to prominence in national politics, drawing criticisms from Hollywood, the LGBTQ community and Democrats as well as the White House. Advocates are concerned that the passage of this measure comes at a time when anti-LGBTQ legislation is moving in a number of states. 

DeSantis stated that he supported the bill as parents’ rights were “increasingly under attack around the country, but we in Florida stand up for parents’ rights and the fundamental roles they play in education of our children.”

His office released a statement stating that he believed parents must be kept away from schools teaching their children sexuality in classrooms as early as 5 years of age.

The new law, officially titled “Parental rights in Education”, takes effect July 1. It prohibitsClassroom “discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity” from kindergarten to grade 3 or in a way that isn’t age-appropriate

If parents believe that school policies are violating their rights to “uphold and control their children,” they can also pursue legal action.

DeSantis, other Republicans and bill sponsors have stressed that the measure is necessaryParents will have control over the school’s activities and discussions, and it is “inappropriate” to inject transgenderism into a kindergarten classroom.

Opponents argue that the Florida law is unclearly written and could open up to litigation from parents who feel any talk about LGBTQ persons or related issues is unconstitutional. 

Advocates for LGBTQ slammed new law. 

Human Rights Campaign DeSantis “once again placed Florida squarely on the wrong side of history, and placed his own young constituents directly in harm’s way – and he has done this for no other reason than to serve his own political ambitions,” according to a statementReleased by the group.

Joni Madison, the interim president stated in the statement that they are facing a new reality. This reality may make it difficult for LGBTQ+ students to recognize their sexuality. It may also lead to young people who have LGBTQ+ relatives being forced to keep quiet while other members can talk freely. 

A human rights group pointed out data that indicated LGBTQ youth are already facing “real threats” and hurdles, like bullying, harassment, or assault at school.

Not all of the almost four-dozen companies who signed the agreement were listed. petition The recent anti-LGBTQ laws in the U.S. have not been discussed much this month. As Disney is facing strong backlash, their signatures are welcome. initial silencOn the Florida bill, e. 

According to a release by Equality Florida executive director Nadine, Smith stated, “The current political climate is so toxic in it comes protections for our communities and Florida isn’t immune.” 

Smith stated, “It’s vital that businesses who uplift the values of diversity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community through participating in Pride celebrations leverage their voices at a time of community under attack.” 

The petition was first published by Freedom For All Americans and Human Rights Campaign in 2020. It addresses dozens of antiLGBTQ laws that were being introduced at that time across the United States.

Support came from approximately 44 companiesIn March 2013, tech companies were included Google, Apple, Amazon MicrosoftCompanies like Hilton, American Airlines Dow Inc.One year later, there were more than 200,000 signatures for the petition. 55 companies.

According to Jessica Shortall (director of corporate engagement, Freedom For All Americans), the number of signatures increased by more than three times to over 150 at January’s start of 2022 state sessions. 

Also, there was an increase in petition signatures between February and March. 

Many companies that have a strong presence in Florida joined the petition just days later, on Feb. 28. state House passedThe “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” The new signatories included United Airlines, Oracle IHG Hotels & ResortsAccording to HRC, these employees represent thousands in Florida.. 

Shortall claimed that companies didn’t support Florida’s bill. Arizona, Iowa, Texas, Texas, and Texas have recently adopted or introduced anti-LGBTQ laws.

The Alabama state Senate madeIt was a crime last month to offer gender-reassignment services to transgender teenagers. Texas governor. Greg Abbott also directed Child Protective Services in February to investigate child abuse allegations against parents providing gender-affirming treatment to transgender children. 

Iowa, at the beginning March, was the most populous state in the United States. first state to pass a ban Transgender student athletes playing in sports that are compatible with their gender identity. Also, Thursday’s Arizona House passed a similar billIt was passed by the state Senate three weeks ago and seeks to prohibit transgender kids from participating in sports with their peers. 

“So much attention was paid to the Florida bill. Shortall stated that the Texas situation, and many other attempts to harm LGBTQ persons have continued since the beginning of February.