Kansas House Approves Charlie Kirk Campus Free Speech Bill

Tribute after tragedy and probably a tough veto for the Guv in the very near future . . .

Both chambers voted by a two-thirds majority to put House Bill 2333, or the Kansas Intellectual Rights and Knowledge Act, into law. The bill addresses free speech on college campuses and honors Kirk, a political activist killed by a gunman in September while speaking at a college event.

The bill defines outdoor areas of campuses as public forums and allows the attorney general or aggrieved individuals to seek damages in court. Opponents said the bill was actually written to allow student associations to exclude members based on political, ideological or religious beliefs.

(Guv) Kelly said the bill would cause confusion for courts and schools.

“I have long believed that the quality of public debate in our nation has been declining, and I strongly support the toning down of political rhetoric and a return to civility,” Kelly said. “Schools and college campuses are excellent places to begin this process. However, free speech and civil discussion are already protected by our state and federal constitutions.”

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Kansas Legislature overturns veto to pass free speech bill honoring Charlie Kirk * Kansas Reflector

House and Senate Republicans preserved a bill they say will protect free speech in the name of slain activist Charlie Kirk.