Bill would create 'Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway'

Idaho Family Policy Center, a pro-family Christian ministry, will work with state legislators to introduce a bill designating Idaho State Highway 16 as the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.”

The new legislation will be introduced at the start of the Idaho legislative session in January. It is intended to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk and to denounce the recent rise of politically and religiously motivated violence. 

Kirk, founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was killed Sept. 10 at an event at Utah Valley University for sharing his faith and political views with a gathering of Utah university students.

The influence of Charlie Kirk extends to Idaho, where thousands of students participate in Turning Point USA student chapters on high school and college campuses — including North Idaho College, Boise State University, University of Idaho, Idaho State University, College of Southern Idaho, New Saint Andrews College, Northwest Nazarene University and BYU-Idaho. 

Blaine Conzatti, president of Idaho Family Policy Center, urged the state to recognize Kirk's legacy as a follower of Jesus Christ and as a way of upholding free speech.

"Renaming the highway will serve as a reminder that free speech and the Christian faith are vital for a functioning constitutional republic — and that we ought never tolerate political violence as a response to robust civil discourse," Conzatti said.

Austin Rose, president of the TPUSA chapter at Boise State University shared that Kirk’s legacy is "defined by his dedication to teaching a generation of young Americans to stand up and take pride in their country, speak up for their values, and to most importantly, embrace Jesus Christ."

Rose said Kirk always challenged the status quo and shape the future of the country. 

"After Charlie’s assassination, his mission has only grown more impactful," Rose said. "Charlie Kirk will always be remembered — and the mission that he started will be finished by the people whom he inspired."