10
Loading video...
By Gerrard Kaonga
US News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A video of hundreds of protesters gathered outside of Disney headquarters in California has started to go viral on social media.
The video shows people holding up signs and placards while chanting "boycott Disney." Posted on Wednesday evening, the video has been viewed over 400,000 times and can be seen here.
Read More
If You Stand Up for Your Kids, It’s Gonna Get Uncomfortable. That’s Okay | Opinion5 min read
Disney Slammed by Texas Lieutenant Governor Seeking Own ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law3 min read
Disney’s Mickey Mouse Copyright in Republican Crosshairs Over LGBTQ Stance4 min read
The protest was organized by Christian activist group Hold the Line and took place in Burbank, California, on Wednesday evening.
Earlier in the week, another video calling for the protest also began circulating on social media.
In the video, it showed news hosts highlighting Disney's decision to increase its representation of LBTQ+ people in its media.
The video then shifted to show Christian protesters in the street while calling on all parents to take a stand, for the "innocence of children" against Disney at the Disney HQ on April 6.
Videos from the protest have also begun being shared on Twitter. In one video, a woman who claimed to be a Disney employee said it was becoming difficult to hold conservative values whilst working for the company.
"I'm a cast member here, well for Disneyland actually, I have been with them for quite a long time," the woman said.
"It has gotten very political and has gotten very hard to be who you are. It has gotten very hard to be someone who has conservative values.
"Someone who believes in the right to choose, somebody who believes it is okay to stand up for righteousness. It is okay to stand up to righteousness.
"Any Disney cast members that are afraid to be bold, afraid to be courageous, stand up."
This backlash comes following the company's decision to oppose Florida's controversial so-called Don't Say Gay bill.
The bill, which was passed by the state's legislature and was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, prohibits curriculum regarding LGBTQ+ rights in early education from kindergarten through third grade. Some anti-bill activists fear it could be a stepping stone for further discriminatory bills against the LGBTQ+ community.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, the company's theme park division, issued a statement on the topic in March.
It said it is "committed to creating experiences that support family values for every family," so it will not tolerate any discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
"We oppose any legislation that infringes on basic human rights, and stand in solidary and support our LGBTQIA+ Cast, Crew and Imagineers and fans who make their voices heard today and every day," the division wrote.
Newsweek has contacted Disney and the Hold the Line organization for comment.
...
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines