Missouri AG Fights Back Against Attacks on Kansas City Chiefs Kicker

May 22, 2024 Missouri AG Fights Back Against Attacks on Kansas City Chiefs Kicker  image

Key Takeaways

  • Many Americans support Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey for using his office and authority to fight back against liberal attacks on Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.
  • There is a distinct and deep ideological divide between liberals and conservatives in the online commentary regarding Butker’s commencement speech.  
  • Analysis shows this is a microcosm of the larger culture war in America, and the significant support for AG Bailey showcases a new proactive approach to leftist censorship from right-leaning Americans and free-speech advocates. 

Our Methodology

Demographics

All Voters

Sample Size

10,000

Geographical Breakdown

National

Time Period

2 Days

MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article. 

Recently, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker received criticism for being an outspoken Catholic during his graduation speech at a Catholic university. In reaction, the official Twitter account for the City of Kansas City came close to doxxing Butker in a tweet pointing out where he lives.

The same day, the tweet was deleted, and Kansas City again tweeted, this time apologizing for the doxxing.

In response, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey notified the public he will be invoking the Missouri Human Rights Act in defense of Harrison Butker. The Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) is a state law that prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on various protected characteristics, including religion.

MIG Reports analysis of the reaction to AG Bailey’s defense of Butker highlights two general trends:

  • A newfound support among right leaning Americans for being proactive about cancellation.
  • A continuing environment for left-leaning Americans of seeking “accountability,” which conservatives view as cancellation.

AG Bailey is seeking to investigate and enforce applicable law if is should show Harrison Butker’s rights were being violated by Kansas City – for disclosing where Butker lives.

Political Reactions

Conservative Voices

Many conservative voices appreciate Bailey's decision, viewing it as a stand for religious freedom and free speech. They argue Butker, like any American, has the right to express his beliefs without facing professional repercussions or being canceled.

Conservatives often criticize what they perceive as a double standard among liberals, who they believe champion free speech only when it aligns with their own views. They argue liberals are quick to call for consequences when speech opposes their values.

Liberal Voices

Liberals and progressives are critical of Bailey coming to Butker’s defense but are ignoring the objectionable actions by Kansas City’s official X account. They argue freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences and emphasize that Butker's comments, which are perceived as misogynistic, should not be protected under the guise of religious freedom.

Liberals often highlight that expressing controversial opinions can and should incur professional and social repercussions, especially when those opinions are viewed as harmful or discriminatory.

Views on Free Speech and Religious Rights

Pro-Free Speech Advocates

Advocates for unrestricted free speech, irrespective of political affiliation, support Bailey's invocation of the Missouri Human Rights Act. They argue Butker's right to express his religious beliefs should be protected.

These voices are often concerned about the potential for censorship and the slippery slope of limiting speech based on its content or the reactions it provokes.

Pro-Accountability Advocates

Advocates for accountability argue that, while Butker has the right to express his beliefs, he must also face the consequences of those expressions, particularly if they are harmful or discriminatory.

This group emphasizes the importance of protecting the vulnerable from speech that can perpetuate discrimination or harm. They say societal progress often requires holding public figures accountable for their words.

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