Kansas Legislature Approves 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day'

The resolution will honor the late right-wing activist, despite opposition from Democrats.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Kansas Legislature has voted to establish an annual 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day' on October 14th, honoring the late right-wing activist who was assassinated in 2025. The resolution was backed by Kansas Republicans, who believe it will allow Kansans to honor Kirk's legacy and denounce political violence. However, the move was met with resistance from Democrats, who questioned Kirk's character and past controversial statements.

Why it matters

The establishment of 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day' highlights the ongoing political divisions in Kansas, as well as the broader debate around how to balance free speech rights with concerns over hateful or divisive rhetoric.

The details

The resolution was passed by an 87-35 vote in the Kansas House, after previously being approved by the Kansas Senate in a 30-9 vote. Republicans argued that Kirk was a champion of free speech who deserved to be honored, while Democrats accused him of supporting 'sexist and racist views' and claimed he did not deserve to be memorialized by the legislature.

  • The resolution was approved by the Kansas House on February 10, 2026.
  • 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day' will be recognized annually on October 14th.

The players

Charlie Kirk

A late right-wing activist who was assassinated at a college campus in Utah in September 2025.

Megan Steele

A Kansas Republican state representative who supported the resolution to establish 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day'.

Brooklynne Mosley

A Kansas Democratic state representative who opposed the resolution, criticizing Kirk's past controversial statements.

Chuck Smith

A Kansas Republican state representative who argued that the resolution was about 'freedom of speech' and that Kirk gave people the freedom to speak.

Laura Kelly

The Governor of Kansas, who will not need to sign the resolution as it was passed along party lines.

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What they’re saying

“Charlie's story ended far too soon, but his movement and his passion for truth, faith, family and liberty does not stop here.”

— Megan Steele, Kansas Republican State Representative (ksnt.com)

“No one deserves to have their life ended by violence, however not everyone deserves to have a life that is honored.”

— Brooklynne Mosley, Kansas Democratic State Representative (ksnt.com)

“If you believe that Charlie Kirk is the best person who represents your values and you want to endorse comments like, Black women don't have the brain processing power to be taken seriously, then vote on this.”

— Brooklynne Mosley, Kansas Democratic State Representative (ksnt.com)

“Every time someone asked him a question, he would set his microphone down and let them say anything they wanted. This is about freedom of speech and Charlie Kirk gave them that freedom of speech.”

— Chuck Smith, Kansas Republican State Representative (ksnt.com)

The takeaway

The establishment of 'Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day' in Kansas highlights the ongoing political divisions in the state, as well as the broader debate around how to balance free speech rights with concerns over hateful or divisive rhetoric. The resolution's passage along party lines suggests that this issue will likely continue to be a source of contention in Kansas politics.