In Utah, legislators have opted to rename a road previously honoring gay rights activist Harvey Milk, instead paying tribute to conservative figure Charlie Kirk.
Republican state Representative Trevor Lee has proposed a bill to rename Harvey Milk Boulevard, located at 900 South in Salt Lake City, to Charlie Kirk Boulevard.
Lee argued that the change is appropriate since Kirk was assassinated in Utah, contrasting with Milk, who was killed in California.
“Most Utahns would likely say Harvey Milk has no connection to our state,” said a council member, commenting on Milk’s legacy and his death in 1978.
“Conversely, Charlie Kirk has strong ties here following his assassination.”
Kirk, known for his alliance with Trump and as a family man, was shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, a town roughly 34 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.
“It’s tragic that someone was murdered just for expressing their views,” Rep. Lee remarked.
“They decided to end his life because of a disagreement, which is really sad. I feel this name change is a fitting way to honor those who have always sought to bridge the divide between differing opinions,” he added.
Although the road was named after Milk in 2016, it’s noteworthy that 900 South isn’t a state highway, which means the state legislature lacks the authority to alter its name, as per Utah’s city laws.
Lee has served Utah’s 16th District in the House of Representatives since January 2023.
While presenting the name change as a tribute to Kirk and a nod to Milk, the outspoken Republican has faced accusations of making anti-LGBT remarks, including controversial statements made on social media prior to his election.
This year, he also sponsored a bill, effective since May, that prohibits the display of pride flags in schools and local government buildings.
In a June statement, he noted that “Utahns predominantly lack support for Pride events.”
