Ohio House Passes Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act

State Representatives Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 486 – the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act – legislation that works to preserve the ability for educators to discuss the positive impact of religion on American history, highlighting its consistency with freedom of speech and emphasizing how imperative it is to reduce politically motivated hate and violence in society. 

This legislation, developed by Representatives Click and Dovilla, follows the tragic death of conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk. 

“Charlie was a committed Christian, whose life and work will serve as a testament to the power of conservative ideals combined with a legacy of faith for generations to come,” said Rep. Click. 

“It’s essential that we highlight the positive influence religion has had throughout our history – uniting communities, enriching our shared values, and safeguarding our First Amendment rights as Americans to speak and worship freely,” said Rep. Dovilla.

Under the bill, the General Assembly declares that: 

• “The teaching of the historical and positive impact of religion on American history is consistent with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. An accurate and historical account of the influence of Christianity on the freedom and liberties ingrained in our culture is imperative to reducing ignorance of American history, hate, and violence within our society.” 
• “Accurate historical instruction regarding verifiable, historical impacts of religion on American history is factual and is not proselytization or a violation of the First Amendment.”
   

The bill reaffirms that teachers in public schools and state institutions of higher education, when teaching American history, can include instruction on the positive impacts of religion on American history.

House Bill 486 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.