The Walt Disney Company issued a statement this week saying it will help repeal Florida’s controversial legislation, “Don’t Say Gay” bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“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,” the statement reads. “Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that.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.”

Disney’s public opposition to the law follows an employee walkout in protest of CEO Bob Chapek’s handling of the “Don’t Say Gay” issue.

The publication Variety reported that before the bill passed the Florida Senate, LGBTQ Disney employees sent the CEO and other company leaders a letter requesting the company “issue a public statement condemning anti-LGBTQIA+ policies in the U.S.”

Chapek’s subsequent statement said the “biggest impact” Disney can make “in creating a more inclusive world is through the inspiring content” it produces. Employees were not satisfied at what they deemed a weak response.

Reportedly Chapek had initially decided not to speak publicly on the matter opting instead to work behind the scenes in an attempt to soften the legislation. That clearly had no effect on the outcome, as the bill was passed and signed into law.

Following the backlash from employees, Chapek publicly denounced the act during the company’s annual shareholder meeting in early March, and announced that Disney would pledge US $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBTQ rights organizations, also saying he would meet with DeSantis to discuss Disney’s “concerns” about the legislation.

Chapek also directly apologized to employees in a company memo, writing in part, “You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.”

Following the walkouts Disney conducted an all-company virtual town hall (dedicated to issues surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community), and revealed that a new task force will “develop action plans to make more LGBT-aware content for children and family.”

In a statement it said, “We know how important this issue is for our LGBTQ+ employees, their families and allies, we respect our colleagues’ right to express their views, and we pledge our ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equal rights.”

The company also unveiled that Chapek and other senior leaders will conduct a global listening tour and meet with employees in the US and internationally.