Joe Salazar rape comments inflame Twitter, spawn twisted #Liberaltipstoavoidrape

GlobalPost

Should you need further evidence that Twitter loves to twist political debate into something awkwardly uncomfortable and disconcerting, look no further than Rep. Joe Salazar.

The Colorado state senator for the Democrats found himself backpedaling Monday as he argued about a bill that would ban concealed weapons on college campuses.

He suggested women rely on campus security and whistles rather than guns.

“It’s why we have call boxes, it’s why we have safe zones, it’s why we have the whistles. Because you just don’t know who you’re gonna be shooting at,” he said, according to the Denver Post.

“And you don’t know if you feel like you’re gonna be raped, or if you feel like someone’s been following you around or if you feel like you’re in trouble when you may actually not be, that you pop out that gun and you pop … pop a round at somebody.”

The bill, which limits the size of ammunition magazines and institutes background checks, passed.

"Enough is enough. I'm sick and tired of bloodshed," Democratic Rep. Rhonda Fields said, according to The Associated Press.

Salazar apologized on Monday, Fox News said, after getting raked over the coals in the court of public opinion.

He said he didn’t mean to offend anyone and has long championed women’s rights as the father of two girls.

That, somehow, spawned a lecherous Twitter war using the hashtag #liberaltipstoavoidrape, which started trending on the micro-blogging site this week.

Look away if you're squeamish.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.