Kansas this week became one of the few states to approve and recognize Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day.
The Kansas Legislature overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution making Oct. 14, Kirk’s birthday, Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day. The Senate voted for it 30-9 on Jan. 28, and the House followed with an 87-35 approval on Tuesday.
“Charlie Kirk’s legacy will continue to serve as an example of the importance of free speech, the values of the First Amendment and our nation’s commitment to civil debate,” the resolution states.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and conservative political activist, was murdered while speaking at a college campus event in Utah last September.
“We condemn the assassination of Charlie Kirk and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the legislature says.
This Oct. 14 will be the first observance of the new holiday honoring Kirk and the principles he stood for, and will be recognized annually.
“Charlie’s story ended far too soon, but his movement and his passion for truth, faith, family and liberty does not stop here,” said Kansas Rep. Megan Steele, who championed the resolution.
Kansans are encouraged to celebrate Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day by remembering their constitutional rights and honoring Kirk’s life and legacy.
“As a whole for Kansas this can energize our state to come together for freedom, and celebrate the right to free and honest speech,” Barbara Cantrell, chair of the Northeast Johnson County Conservatives, said.
In contrast, Democrat members of the Legislature denounced Kirk and his mission as the resolution progressed.
“I pity my colleagues who are so desperate for a hero that they have to settle for a man who supported sexist and racist views,” Rep. Brooklynne Mosley said.
Other states such as Oklahoma, Utah and Ohio are also in the process of recognizing Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day. Florida passed such a bill on Tuesday along with Kansas.
Democrat Florida Rep. Ashley Viola Gantt disputed the legislation and drafted an amendment to honor Assata Shakur instead of Kirk, according to WUSF. Shakur was a Black Panther convicted of first degree murder and escaped prison, living as a fugitive the rest of her life. She died two weeks after Kirk.
Kansas conservatives hailed the state’s recognition for Kirk, a leading proponent of civility, free speech, Christian conservatism and constitutional principles.
“Those opposing the resolution not only took his quotes out of context, but one House member even said, ‘he reaped what he sowed,’” said Brittany Jones, president of Kansas Family Voice. “It’s this sort of hateful rhetoric that dehumanized Charlie and led to his death.”
People view Kirk negatively “because he took the stance of Christ and not worldly views or bowing to their false god’s,” Cantrell said in response to opposition toward Kirk. “The naysayers could not find it in their hearts the right to honor his free speech.”
The Kansas Senate is also advancing a bill known as the Kansas Intellectual Rights and Knowledge Act, the KIRK act.
“This bill puts feet to Charlie’s life work – campus free speech,” Jones said. “Currently, Kansas does not have free speech protections for college campuses – something Charlie experienced firsthand.”
Students for Life of America, is a national student organization advocating for Oct. 14 to be established as Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day. Its website offers action items for people to get involved at the state and national levels.
“Charlie’s unwavering commitment to dialogue and truth continues through us,” the site says. “Together, we can rally citizens, influence legislators, and ensure that October 14th becomes a lasting celebration of free speech in America.”
