The Walt Disney Company recently resumed political contributions in Florida after two years. Though they are not yet making cash donations, they are providing in-kind donations like park tickets to Florida politicians — including a Republican Representative Josie Tomkow, who voted in support of the Parental Rights in Education Act, a.k.a. the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Disney Donates to Florida Republican Who Supported “Don’t Say Gay” Bill
According to Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts made an in-kind contribution worth $16,423 to Rep. Tomkow’s campaign. The type of contribution was not specified.
This revelation comes on the eve of Pride Month 2024, which Walt Disney World celebrates with themed photo ops, merchandise, and menu items. Disneyland Resort in California offers Pride Nite.
LGBTQIA+ individuals celebrate their history and continuing fight for rights every June in honor of the Stonewall riots, which began on June 28, 1969.
Two years ago, Disney suspended political contributions in Florida after Maxwell’s report in the Sentinel about them donating to all sponsors of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The company’s poor response to the controversy led to employee walkouts and petitions. Then-CEO Bob Chapek ultimately condemned the bill and Disney promised to get the bill repealed.
The situation led to Governor Ron DeSantis lashing out against Disney, ultimately taking over the Reedy Creek Improvement District and renaming it the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Disney and the District sued each other multiple times over before finally reaching a settlement and development agreement.
Disney’s first known political contribution since 2022 was to Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson’s June 7 fundraiser. Disney donated theme park tickets and part of the fundraiser event will take place at Walt Disney World. Invitations to the fundraiser feature Princess Tiana, the star of Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
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