Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is pursuing action against the city of Kansas City after a social media account run by the city revealed the residence of Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, which Bailey claims was done as a form of retaliation for his religious beliefs. Butker had faced backlash for giving a commencement speech at a Catholic school in Missouri, where he spoke about his Catholic beliefs, including references to traditional gender roles and President Biden’s stance on abortion. Bailey denounced the city’s actions as a violation of Butker’s constitutional freedoms and the Missouri Human Rights Act and has requested records related to the management of the social media account.
Butker, who is 28, has faced criticism for his speech, but Bailey defends his right to express his religious beliefs, particularly in a setting such as a Catholic university where he was speaking to a Catholic audience. Bailey emphasized the importance of protecting individuals’ rights to express their religious beliefs, as guaranteed by constitutional law. The city of Kansas City issued an apology for the inappropriate post revealing Butker’s residence and pledged to review the management of the social media account to prevent similar incidents in the future. Bailey expressed concern that the city’s review could be an attempt to withhold information from his office and called for those responsible for the post to be fired.
Bailey is determined to hold the city accountable for violating Butker’s rights and ensuring that government entities are not used to infringe upon individual freedoms. He believes that Butker may have grounds for legal action against the city and is demanding transparency in the management of the social media account in question. Bailey is concerned about the potential for government agencies to be weaponized to suppress individuals’ rights and is committed to uncovering any wrongdoing in this case. The mayor’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation.
The controversy surrounding Butker’s commencement speech at a Catholic school and the subsequent doxing by the city of Kansas City highlights the intersection of free speech, religious freedom, and government accountability. Bailey’s efforts to investigate the city’s actions and hold those responsible accountable demonstrate a commitment to upholding constitutional rights and preventing government overreach. The incident raises questions about the boundaries between personal beliefs, public expression, and the role of government in protecting individual freedoms. As the situation continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of safeguarding individuals’ rights to freely express their religious beliefs without fear of retaliation.
