Formula One star Lewis Hamilton defied FIA rules and spoke out about what has been dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” laws in Florida as the sport prepares for the Miami Grand Prix over the weekend.
Florida legislators passed a parental rights bill that progressives have claimed is anti-LGBTQ and have continuously pushed the narrative. The bill, officially named “Parental Rights in Education,” bans school employees or third parties from giving classroom instruction on “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” in all grades.
The opposition to the bill falsely claims it bans any discussion pertaining to being gay in the state’s schools.
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Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, left, talks to Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton during a press conference at the Baku circuit, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Thursday, April 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
Hamilton, who is from Britain, likened the legislation to the oppression seen in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s not good at all,” he said Thursday. “I stand by those within the community here. I hope they continue to stand firm and push back. I’ll have the rainbow on my helmet. It’s no different to when we were in Saudi.”
Hamilton would not go as far as urge F1 to skip races in Florida because of social policies.
“It’s not for me to decide something like that,” he said. “I did hear and have read about some of the decisions that have been made in government here and I do not agree with it and I do not support it. I really do continue to stand with the LGBTQ community and I’m wearing a rainbow flag on my helmet this weekend and I just really want to continue to support the community here and let them know I stand with them and I hope they continue to fight against it.
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Lewis Hamilton looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4, 2023 in Miami. (Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
“It’s not the people of Miami that are making these decisions, it’s the people in government and that’s the issue,” he added. “I think, hopefully, all I can do – the sport is going to be here whether I am or not – but the least I can do is just continue to be supportive and just being here and having that on my helmet, hopefully that speaks well to the subject.”
Hamilton faces potential discipline for speaking out on social issues.
In December, the FIA updated its International Sporting Code for the 2023 season and included a new article stating that political, religious and personal statements require written approval.
“The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction,” the new articles states.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives a victory speech after defeating Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Charlie Crist during his election night watch party at the Tampa Convention Center on Nov. 8, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images)
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Hamilton vowed to keep speaking out on social issues regardless of the FIA rules.
Fox News Jessica Chasmar and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
