Daines Backs Campus Religious Liberty Bill Following Charlie Kirk Assassination

HELENA, MT — Senator Steve Daines has cosponsored federal legislation aimed at protecting religious student organizations on college campuses, legislation that takes on heightened significance following the recent assassination of conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk.

The “Equal Campus Access Act of 2025,” introduced by Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, would cut federal funding to public universities that discriminate against religious student organizations by denying them the same rights, benefits, and privileges afforded to other student groups.

“America would not be the land of the free without our fundamental right to freedom of religion, and our college campuses should be the strongest defenders of these rights,” Daines said in a statement. “This bill makes certain that public colleges treat religious student organizations the same as every other student group. Now more than ever, our nation needs students to live out and share their faith together.”

The legislation comes just over two weeks after Kirk, the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. The 31-year-old conservative activist was known for his outspoken Christian beliefs and campus speaking events promoting faith-based dialogue.

Montana held multiple memorial ceremonies for Kirk across the state, including a gathering of over 500 people at the University of Montana Oval. Kirk had previously spoken at UM in September 2024, engaging students and veterans in discussions about faith and conservative values.

Federal Funding at Stake

The proposed legislation is straightforward but carries significant financial leverage. Under the bill, public universities would lose all federal funding available through the Higher Education Act if they deny religious student organizations access to facilities, official recognition, or other rights based on the groups’ “religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or standards of conduct.”

Most public universities rely heavily on federal education funding, making the financial penalty substantial. The bill specifically protects religious organizations’ right to maintain their own leadership requirements and conduct standards — protections that have become contentious issues on some campuses.

The legislation would not apply to private institutions, which already have broader discretion in their policies toward student organizations.

Montana Campus Context

While the bill addresses national concerns about religious liberty on campuses, recent incidents suggest Montana universities have experienced tensions involving conservative groups. During the University of Montana’s 2024 Homecoming Parade, children participating with a conservative float faced jeers and name-calling from students and onlookers, according to recent reporting on harassment targeting Republican groups in Missoula.

UM President Seth Bodnar said the university will enhance its Event Action Plan for homecoming to address safety concerns raised by the Republican group, acknowledging the university works “to foster a climate where people from all backgrounds, walks of life, and political perspectives are welcomed, supported, and included.”

The University of Montana and Montana State University would be subject to the bill’s requirements if enacted.

Daines has consistently championed religious freedom issues throughout his Senate tenure. In 2022, he led a resolution designating January 16 as Religious Freedom Day, commemorating the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom that helped inspire the First Amendment.

“We must do everything we can to protect this freedom which allows all Americans to practice their faith without fear,” Daines said at the time.

Kirk’s Montana Legacy

Kirk’s assassination has resonated particularly strongly in Montana, where he had built relationships with conservative and faith-based communities since his first public speech at Sykes Diner in Kalispell in 2014.

“When you stop talking is when the violence starts,” was one of Kirk’s frequent talking points, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open dialogue even with those who disagree. His approach centered on engaging campus communities in conversations about faith and conservative principles rather than simply organizing like-minded students.

The suspect in Kirk’s assassination, Tyler James Robinson, surrendered to authorities the day after the shooting and has been charged with murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Legislative Outlook

The Equal Campus Access Act could have better prospects in the narrow Republican-controlled Senate. The bill has been referred to committee for consideration.

Daines joins 27 Republican cosponsors on the legislation, with no Democratic support.

“His legacy is faith, family, and freedom,” organizers said of Kirk during Montana memorial services. “We can have open dialogue with people who disagree, walk confidently in our faith, support true conservative candidates, knock on doors, and engage in civics.”