TAMPA, FL (WFLA) – It’s a story that sounds like it comes from a news parody web site, but Tampa’s Mayor is taking it seriously.
An international blogger is calling for meet-up events around the world for people in favor of legalizing rape.
“There’s no need for this, it’s a vile group,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
Buckhorn says there have been postings on social media about the meetings and he’s asking the police to be prepared.
“They need to take that kind of behavior and take it somewhere else because it doesn’t belong in this city, in that park, even though it’s not a permitted event it’s just sort of an impromptu meeting,” said Buckhorn.
Jon Larson saw the notice of the meeting and couldn’t believe it.
“Initially, I thought it was a joke,” said Larson.
He did some digging and became convinced it was legitimate.
“After the outrage and anger went away, my immediate thoughts were we had to do something to counter it,” said Larson.
He then organized his own counter protest, calling for diversity to be held in the same park at the same time as the rape rally.
“I think it’s important to celebrate and support all choices, all races, all walks of life in this case,” said Larson.MORE STORIES: – Gas Skimmer Alert: New addition to list of Tampa Bay area locations – Florida Zika Virus cases rise to 12; mosquito that carries virus common in state – Bay area detectives investigate credit card cloning cases