Photo: Raven-Symone/instagram
Raven-Symonéand herRaven’s Homecostars are protesting Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
On Tuesday, the cast walked off the set of the popular Disney Channel series in response to the recently passed bill (HB 1557), which prohibits discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in primary school classrooms.
In a video shared on Instagram, Symoné, standing outside with herRaven’s Homecast and executive producers, says, “We are walking out today in support of this ridiculous bill … we don’t like it! We’re walking out. It’s stupid. We love everyone. Support, support, support.”
The video ends with cheers and waves from the cast as Symoné, 36, walks and says, “We out! We walking out!”
She continued, “Every family every person and every child deserves to be recognized no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Education that reflects the truth and the world we live in is something we must fight for.#dontsaygaybill#🌈🏳️🌈🌈”
Disney Channel tells PEOPLE in a statement, “Production on our series Raven’s Home was interrupted today when members of the cast participated in a walkout designed to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Our colleagues have both our respect and our support.”
Other entities of theWalt Disney Company–– which employs tens of thousands of people at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and has plans to relocate more employees to the state –– alsoprotested the controversial billTuesday.
Disney+, the company’s streaming service, issued astatementTuesday that “… We strongly denounce all legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of people in the LGBTQIA+ community — especially legislation that targets and harms young people and their families.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Marvel Studios alsotweeted, “We strongly denounce any and ALL legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Marvel Studios stands for hope, inclusivity and strength; and we proudly stand with the community. Today, we pledge to continue our strong commitment as allies who promote the values of equality, acceptance and respect.”
ABC, FX Networks,National GeographicandDisney Parksalso shared similar messages.
Earlier this month, Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapekapologizedfor the company’s “painful” silence over the bill.
RELATED VIDEO: Raven-Symoné Gets Candid About Body-Shaming, Sexuality and Finding Love with New Wife
“Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was,” Chapek said in part. “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,” he added.
The bill was passed in the state Senate earlier this month, per theAssociated Press. Florida Gov.Ron DeSantishas said he will sign the bill.
source: people.com
