formula One Star Lewis Hamilton defied FIA rules and spoke out about “don’t say gay” laws in Florida as the sport prepares for the weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
Florida legislators have passed a parental rights bill that progressives have claimed to be anti-LGBTQ and furthers the persistent narrative. The bill, officially named “Parental Rights in Education,” prohibits school employees or third parties from providing classroom instruction on “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” in all grades.
opposed to false bill Claim It bans any discussion related to being gay in state schools.
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Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz talks to Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton during a press conference at Baku Circuit in Baku, Azerbaijan, Thursday, April 27, 2023. (AP Photo / Sergey Grits)
Hamilton, who is from Britain, compared the law to the oppression he has seen in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s not good at all,” he said Thursday. “I stand here with the people of the community. I hope they stand firm and push back. I will have a rainbow on my helmet. It’s no different than when we were in Saudi.”
Hamilton would not go so far as to urge F1 to drop the races in Florida due to social policies.
“It is not for me to decide something like that,” he said. “I’ve heard and read about some of the decisions made here in government and I don’t agree with and I don’t support. I really stand with the LGBTQ community and I’m wearing a rainbow.” flag on my helmet this weekend and I really want to continue to support the community here and let them know that I stand with them and I hope they keep fighting against this.
Lewis Hamilton in the paddock during previews prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4, 2023 in Miami. (Dan Iststein – Formula 1 / Formula 1 via Getty Images)
“It’s not the people of Miami who are making these decisions, it’s the people in government and that’s the issue,” he said. “I think, hopefully, that’s all I can do — the game’s going to be here whether I’m there or not — but the least I can do is just be supportive and just be here and be on my helmet, hopefully.” That it speaks well to the subject.
Hamilton faces possible discipline for speaking out on social issues.
In December, FIA updated Its International Sporting Code for the 2023 season and includes a new article stating that political, religious and personal statements require written approval.
“the general manufacture and display of political, religious and personal statements or remarks, in particular in contravention of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Laws, unless approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions , or by relevant ASN. national competitions in their jurisdiction,” the new article said.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers a victory speech after defeating Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Charlie Crist during his Election Night Watch party at the Tampa Convention Center on November 8, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Octavio Jones / Getty Images)
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Hamilton vowed to keep speaking out on social issues regardless of FIA rules.
Fox News’ Jessica Chasmer and The Associated Press contributed to this report.