'Proud LGBTQ+': Apple's Tim Cook Slams Controversial 'Don't Say Gay Bill'

Apple CEO Tim Cook recently extended support to the LGBTQIA+ community in the backdrop of the "Don't Say Gay Bill".

The controversial legislation aims to ban classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida's schools. Officially called the "Parental Rights in Education bill," it was passed in Florida's state legislature that is controlled by Republicans.

Reuters

"Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards," the bill reads. Now, the bill will go to Florida's governor Ron DeSantis for his signature.

?In response, Tim Cook called himself a "proud member of the LGBTQ+ community." He also extended support to "vulnerable youth... the families, loved ones, and allies."

Reuters

Tim Cook - first openly gay CEO of tech company

When Tim Cook came out as gay in 2014, he became the first CEO of a major company to do so. In an interview with Christiane Amanpour on Wednesday, Cook said that being gay "God's greatest gift to me," while adding that he was "very proud of it."

Also read:?Apple & Google Maps Don't Show Apple CEO Tim Cook's House: Here's Why

The Apple CEO said he had come out after receiving letters from children who were being bullied, "pushed out of their homes, very close to suicide."?

Reuters

Also read:?Apple CEO Tim Cook Shared Indian Photographer's Amazing Pics For Diwali Greetings

"My strong view is that everyone should be treated with respect... I was public because I started to receive stories from kids who read online that I was gay," he said.

Should tech companies and CEOs do more in terms of visibility for LGBTQIA+ youth? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.

References

Apple CEO Tim Cook deeply concerned over new LGBTQ laws in the US. Free Press Journal.?