In a significant shift from early March, The Walt Disney Company is vowing to help fight Florida's Parental Rights in Education bill, aka the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

"Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have passed and should never have been signed into law," a Disney spokesperson said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. "Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that. We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country."

RELATED: Disney Employees Walk Out Over Company's 'Don't Say Gay' Response

The Parental Rights in Education bill "prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels." Disney recently came under fire when it was revealed that the company had donated money to the campaigns of lawmakers who supported the legislation, and Disney CEO Bob Chapek's hesitation to condemn the bill itself prompted further outrage.

"I want to be crystal clear: I and the entire leadership team unequivocally stand in support of our LGBTQ+ employees, their families, and their communities," Chapek said regarding Disney's stance on the bill. "And, we are committed to creating a more inclusive company—and world. I understand that the very need to reiterate that commitment means we still have more work to do."

Chapek would later apologize to Disney employees, saying, "Thank you to all who have reached out to me sharing your pain, frustration and sadness over the company's response to the Florida 'Don't Say Gay' bill. Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry. I missed the mark in this case but am an ally you can count on -- and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility, and opportunity you deserve."

KEEP READING: Marvel Studios Stands With LGBTQ+ Community, Condemns 'Don't Say Gay' Legislation

Source: The Hollywood Reporter