DeSantis signs bill banning 'woke' government investments

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law targeting what he calls "woke" ideology in financial companies by banning the state of Florida and its local governments from making investment decisions solely based on environmental, social, and corporate governance factors.

"Through this legislation, Florida will continue to lead the nation against big banks and corporate activists who’ve colluded to inject woke ideology into the global marketplace, regardless of the financial interests of beneficiaries," DeSantis said Tuesday after he signed the bill into law.

The bill, titled "Government and Corporate Activism," also prohibits "banks that engage in corporate activism from holding public deposits" and bans "financial institutions from discriminating against customers for their religious, political, or social beliefs — including their support for securing the border, owning a firearm, and increasing our energy independence," DeSantis' office said.

Multiple Florida Republican officials, including Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, all applauded the legislation.

"WOKE-Wall Street wants to cozy up to the CCP and Dylan Mulvaney! Left wing media can hate Florida all they want, but under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, people are leaving Blue States in droves!" Patronis said, criticizing the Chinese Communist Party and Bud Light's and Nike's partnership with the transgender influencer.

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.