BY ANNA KAMINSK
IKansas Reflector
TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans preliminarily approved a symbolic resolution honoring the late conservative figure Charlie Kirk following an hourlong debate with Democrats on the House floor in a war of words over free speech and Kirk’s legacy.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1615 seeks to establish Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day on Oct. 14, 2026, Kirk’s birthday, and every Oct. 14 thereafter in Kansas. It was sponsored by Senate Republicans, passing that chamber on Jan. 28 in a 30-9 vote along party lines.
Republican Rep. Megan Steele of Manhattan championed the resolution Monday in the House, praising Kirk’s unflinching commitment to free speech, open debate and family values. Democrats saw Kirk’s legacy differently, and they took Monday’s debate as an opportunity to question Republicans’ support for a controversial figure who was known for publicly making racist, sexist and bigoted remarks.
Since Kirk was shot and killed on Sep. 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, his reputation has become more complicated with Americans disagreeing over how he should be remembered. The debate in the Kansas House was only the latest example. Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit that hosts debates, which are often fodder for viral videos.
“His movement and his passion for truth and faith, family and liberty does not stop here,” Steele said.
Rep. Emil Bergquist, a Park City Republican, said Kirk represented the values of respectful discourse and debate. He said he was proud to vote in favor of the resolution, not because it idolized any one person but because it reminded him of his close-held belief of speaking up for what is right.
Democrats spent the hourlong debate illustrating their opposition to the resolution. They took particular issue with Kirk’s history of comments denigrating racial and religious groups, specifically Black people and Catholics.
Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Leawood Democrat, twice attempted to amend the resolution, modifying language to specify that Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day will only be commemorated in 2026 and adding language to bolster the definition of free speech. Both amendments failed.
Rep. Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat, rattled off income, hunger and health care statistics. She criticized Republicans for spending time on such a resolution instead of passing legislation to help their constituents.
Rep. Ford Carr, a Wichita Democrat, attempted to add Malcolm X as an honoree on Oct. 14.
Carr noted the irony in Republicans honoring free speech when leadership formally reprimanded him three years earlier for remarks on the House floor.
Carr, who is Black, used the term “house Negro” during a debate, indirectly referring to a fellow Black Democrat.
“Where was the freedom of speech on that day?” he asked.
The Legislature hasn’t historically embraced open discussions of racism within the body. Carr also was formally investigated last year after Republican Rep. Leah Howell of Derby filed a complaint against him for indecorous behavior. The results of the investigation were inconclusive. In 2015, Republicans filed a complaint against Kansas City, Kansas, Democratic Rep. Valdenia Winn, who is also Black, after she called a bill racist and sexist.
While Carr presented his amendment Monday, Steele refused his request to stand for a question from him. She had previously answered questions about the resolution’s format and contents from a white Democrat.
“That should tell you all you need to know,” Carr said. “Freedom of speech, yet she doesn’t want to speak.”
After that comment, Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, accused Carr of impugning Steele’s motives, an approach used by Republicans to halt perceived discordant comments, largely from Democrats.
Steele then challenged the germaneness of Carr’s amendment, questioning its relevance.
A rules committee made up of a handful of legislators from both parties decided it was, indeed, germane.
But that didn’t guarantee Carr’s amendment would make headway.
“I think this fits perfectly,” Carr said.
Both Malcom X and Kirk challenged the world with their speech, he said.
“They stretched and pushed the barrier with the things that they said, and, in the end, their lives were both ended with a gunshot,” he said.
The amendment failed in an 82-33 vote along party lines.
“I think that vote clearly represents the driving force behind this, and it has absolutely nothing to do with freedom of speech. I would exercise my freedom of speech and use terms like ‘racists’ and ‘bigots,’ ” Carr said, taking a pause, “but I digress.”
A majority of the House gave first-round approval to the Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day resolution, but final action is pending.