In an extraordinary display of defiance, two councillors went against a majority vote and stood for a minute's silence during Wednesday's Mid Coast Council meeting, to pay homage to a conservative American activist, who was assassinated earlier this month.

Cr Mal McKenzie put forward a notice of his intention to move a motion honouring Charlie Kirk for his 'outstanding life work for free speech, faith, family and freedom' before the start of the September 24 meeting.

However, with the exception of fellow Libertarian councillor, Mick Graham, and Cr Nicole Turnbull, Cr McKenzie's motion was lost six votes to three.

"Free speech is the basis of our life here in Australia; it's meant to be the basis of our life," Cr McKenzie told the meeting.

"I wish it were enshrined more clearly in our C

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