TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — The Florida House pushed forward a bill declaring a “Charlie Kirk Day,” triggering intense debate over whether the state should honor the conservative activist.
Florida lawmakers took another step toward creating a new state-recognized observance honoring the controversial conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk. House Bill 125, sponsored by Representative Yvette Benarroch and supported by more than two dozen cosponsors, would designate October 14 of each year as “Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance.”
According to the bill’s sponsors, the proposal is intended to honor Kirk’s influence on conservative activism and his advocacy of “faith, family, freedom, and truth.” In a statement attached to the bill, Rep. Benarroch said she introduced the measure to commemorate Kirk’s legacy as “a young conservative voice who inspired millions” and to reaffirm the state’s commitment to free speech and traditional values.
The measure moved through the Government Operations Subcommittee and later the State Affairs Committee, receiving favorable action at each stop. Committee hearings included several amendments, though none altered the bill’s core purpose.
On Wednesday, the Florida House held a third reading and final vote on the bill. Lawmakers approved HB 125 with 82 yeas, 31 nays, and 4 missed votes, according to the official floor tally.
The vote revealed deep partisan and ideological divides. Supporters argued that Kirk represented courage and conviction in political discourse, asserting that the recognition day would reflect Florida’s values and highlight the importance of open dialogue.
Opponents raised sharp concerns about the state elevating a figure they consider divisive. In her explanation of a “no” vote, Rep. Anna Eskamani argued that Kirk’s rhetoric has included remarks she views as harmful, controversial, or discriminatory, saying the state should not “create an official remembrance day for a figure who was widely viewed as divisive.”
Floor documents also included statements criticizing Kirk’s past public comments, highlighting the intensity of debate surrounding the proposal. Critics maintained that establishing a remembrance day in his honor would not promote unity.
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Having passed the House, HB 125 now awaits further action in the Florida Senate. A companion bill, SB 194, was identified as an identical measure. If the Legislature ultimately approves the bill and it is signed by the Governor, “Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance” would take effect beginning July 1, 2026.