Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech

Uniting or Dividing?

Transcript and Reactions

Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, delivered a controversial commencement speech at Liberty University on December 10, 2022. His speech, which lasted over 20 minutes, sparked widespread reactions on social media and in the news.

Butker's Stance

Butker's speech primarily focused on his Christian faith and his conservative beliefs. He criticized LGBTQ rights diversity initiatives and made several disparaging remarks about President Joe Biden. He also expressed his support for the pro-life movement and his opposition to abortion.

Reactions and Criticism

Butker's speech drew both praise and criticism from various quarters. Some people lauded him for speaking out his beliefs, while others condemned him for using his platform to spread divisive messages. Many LGBTQ rights activists and supporters denounced his remarks as hateful and discriminatory.

Full Transcript

A full transcript of Butker's speech is available online. Some highlights of his most controversial comments include:

• "We should not be teaching our children that it's okay to be transgender."
• "President Biden is a radical leftist who is destroying our country."
• "Abortion is murder and should be illegal in all cases."

Butker's Response

In an interview after the speech, Butker defended his remarks, saying that he had a right to express his beliefs. He also stated that he did not intend to offend anyone but wanted to share his personal convictions.

The controversy surrounding Butker's speech underscores the ongoing debate over the role of personal beliefs in public life and the importance of respectful discourse, especially on sensitive topics that affect marginalized communities.