Lawmakers in the Maine House of Representatives on Thursday approved a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, the controversial and influential founder of the Christian conservative group Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed in September.
The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Reagan Paul, R-Winterport, was approved without a roll call vote after half a dozen Republicans spoke in remembrance of Kirk.
“Charlie’s steadfast devotion to Christ, the Constitution, civil discourse and biblical truth inspired a generation to cherish liberty and stand firm in their faith,” Paul said. “Today we honor that legacy by vowing to carry his torch forward.”
Paul’s resolution said Kirk “embodied the values of the First Amendment” and noted how his organization helped to register 125,000 new voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
It condemned Kirk’s assassination in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, and extended condolences to his wife, Erika, and his children. It honored “his life, faith and legacy,” and called for the “rejection of political violence and recommitment to respectful debate.”
Kirk was shot in the neck at the Utah Valley College during one of his “ask me anything” events, where he debated students with opposing views.
He had a history of remarks which his critics say were xenophobic, racist and homophobic. He was critical of gay and transgender rights, said he believed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was “a mistake,” and advanced the conspiracy theory that Jews were trying to replace white Americans with non-white immigrants.
No Democrats spoke to the resolution in the House on Thursday. Republicans said Kirk’s commitment to the First Amendment and open debate should be honored, and that he is an example of civil discourse that is missing too often in today’s politics.
“If you hated what Charlie said, the good thing about him was he would give you a microphone and you could say all you wanted to say and speak your point,” said House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor.
“That was an example we should all follow, and that’s what we should hold on to,” Faulkingham said.
The measure now heads to the state Senate, where lawmakers declined to hear it Thursday.
