“It’s not good at all,” Lewis Hamilton discusses LGBTQ rights in Florida, confirms he will wear a rainbow helmet at Miami GP

Lewis Hamilton says he will wear his rainbow helmet in the upcoming Miami Grand Prix.

“It’s not good at all,” Lewis Hamilton discusses LGBTQ rights in Florida, confirms he will wear a rainbow helmet at Miami GP

Lewis Hamilton. Image via The Guardian.

Lewis Hamilton lashed out at the Florida lawmakers regarding the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law. The law initially banned the instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity up to third grade. But now, the Florida Board of Education voted to expand the ban up to the twelfth grade. This means that public school teachers would not be allowed to teach their students about these topics. 

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis does not think it is appropriate for children to learn about LGBTQ issues. The bill has been criticized by LGBTQ + people and others across the world. Hamilton has joined the criticism. He has been a supporter of LGBT rights and races with pride colors on his helmet. The Briton revealed he would be doing so again in the upcoming Miami Grand Prix.

YouTube video

Hamilton told BBC 5 Live, “It’s not good at all. I stand by those within the community here. I hope they continue to stand firm + push back. I’ll have the rainbow on my helmet. It’s no different to when we were in Saudi.” Saudi Arabia is not particularly known for its human rights record and it does not favor the LGBTQ + community.

Related: “I’d love to try,” Lewis Hamilton confirms interest in NASCAR amidst Mercedes contract uncertainty

Lewis Hamilton criticizes the Florida government

Lewis Hamilton. Image via Sports Illustrated.
Lewis Hamilton. Image via Sports Illustrated.

Hamilton added, “It’s not the people of Miami that are making these decisions, it’s the people in government and that’s the issue. 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 be here and have that on my helmet, hopefully, that speaks well to the subject.”

Hamilton previously stated that he was “duty bound” to use his platform for the greater good. He said he wears the helmet to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. The Mercedes driver aims to create awareness. He compared the Florida law to the suppression faced by the people in Saudi Arabia. 

The 38-year-old is yet to renew his contract with Mercedes. This has been an ongoing topic. On several occasions, both Toto Wolff and Hamilton admitted they are committed to each other.

The Mercedes driver stated that he works on himself to be in his prime, mentally and physically. Despite Mercedes’ struggles, Hamilton does not think he is on the “downhill slope of his career.” He also told ESPN that he does not plan on stopping anytime soon. 

In case you missed it: