TOPEKA (KSNT) — The Kansas Senate has adopted a new resolution honoring late political activist Charlie Kirk, following debate that revealed sharp divisions between lawmakers from both parties.
The resolution, introduced during the current legislative session, establishes an annual “Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day” in the Kansas Senate. Lawmakers voted along party lines 30–9 Wednesday night to adopt the measure.
Senator Tim Shallenburger introduced the resolution, known as SCR 1615, with the goal of honoring Kirk’s legacy and what supporters describe as his commitment to First Amendment rights. The resolution states that Kirk consistently exercised his right to free speech and that his legacy should continue to highlight the importance of protecting those freedoms.
However, debate on the Senate floor reflected differing interpretations of Kirk’s legacy and the scope of the resolution.
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State Senator Patrick Schmidt (D-Topeka) raised concerns during the discussion.
“We just had someone murdered by federal agents in Minneapolis, someone who was lawfully exercising their First and Second Amendment rights, both rights that Charlie Kirk vociferously defended,” said Schmidt.
Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) pushed back against those arguments, saying the resolution focused on free speech alone.
“This whole thing was about the First Amendment,” said Masterson. “It was the Democrats that brought in the Second Amendment around and mischaracterized quotes — a complete mischaracterization of what was going on.”
Under the resolution, the Kansas Senate will recognize Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day every year on October 14, celebrating Kirk’s birthday and honoring his legacy.
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