Plans to declare May 26th as John Wayne Day in California have been rejected by the State Assembly over "disturbing views towards race".
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez cited an interview where Wayne defended white Europeans' encroachment on Native American land.
"Our so-called stealing of this country from them was just a matter of survival. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves," the actor said.
Wayne's support for the anti-communist House Un-American Activities Committee and the far right John Birch Society were also brought up.
Assemblyman Matthew Harper, R-Huntington Beach, sought to declare May 26, 2016, as John Wayne Day to mark the day the actor was born.
"Opposing the John Wayne Day resolution is like opposing apple pie, fireworks, baseball, the Free Enterprise system and the Fourth of July!" he said in a written statement.
"He stood for those big American values that we know and we love," said Assemblyman Travis Allen, R-Huntington Beach.
"Every one of us is imperfect," another Assemblyman said.
Wayne was always known for not being afraid to speak his opinion. From an interview years ago, Wayne said, "This so-called new liberal group, Jesus, they never listen to your point of view. And they make a decision as to what you think."