Fact check: Did kirk say gays should be stoned?

1. Summary of the results

The claim that Charlie Kirk said gays should be stoned is inaccurate ^[1]. According to multiple sources, Charlie Kirk was actually highlighting the problem of selectively quoting scripture, not calling for gay people to be killed ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Several sources report that prominent individuals, including Alastair Campbell ^[1] and Stephen King ^{[2] [3] [4]}, apologized for falsely claiming that Charlie Kirk advocated for stoning gay people. These sources emphasize that Kirk's comments were taken out of context, and that he was referencing a Bible verse in a podcast ^{[3] [4]}. Other sources note that while Charlie Kirk has made polarizing statements on gay and transgender rights, there is no evidence to suggest he advocated for stoning gay people ^{[5] [6]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key piece of missing context is the specific quote or statement made by Charlie Kirk that led to the false claims ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Some sources provide context for Kirk's statement, citing a podcast where he referenced Leviticus 18 ^[3], but this context is not universally provided. Alternative viewpoints on Charlie Kirk's stance on LGBTQ+ rights are also present, with some sources condemning his anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric ^[7]. Additionally, some sources highlight the need for a safer and more equal future, implying that Charlie Kirk's views are harmful to the LGBTQ+ community ^[7]. However, these viewpoints do not provide evidence that Charlie Kirk advocated for stoning gay people. It is also worth noting that the false claims about Charlie Kirk may have been perpetuated by misinformation ^{[1] [2] [3]}, and that apologies have been issued by those who made these false claims ^{[2] [4]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement appears to be misinformed ^[1], as there is no evidence to suggest that Charlie Kirk said gays should be stoned. This misinformation may have been perpetuated by biased reporting or selective quoting ^{[1] [2] [3]}. The sources that reported on the false claims made by Alastair Campbell and Stephen King suggest that these individuals benefited from correcting their mistakes ^{[2] [4]}, as they were able to apologize and clarify their positions. On the other hand, Charlie Kirk and his supporters may have benefited from the correction of these false claims ^{[1] [2] [3]}, as it allows them to reclaim their narrative and distance themselves from harmful rhetoric. However, it is also possible that the LGBTQ+ community may have been harmed by the perpetuation of these false claims, as it may have exacerbated existing tensions and fears ^[7].