Pro-rape rallies in North Texas canceled

DALLAS - A men’s rights group called off events in North Texas after setting off a social media firestorm by proposing the legalization of rape.

Return of Kings was founded by a blogger named Roosh Valizedah. He also planned 165 pro-male rallies in cities including Dallas and Denton for Feb. 6.

The group is typically known for posting articles calling for the limitation of women’s voting rights and claiming their value depends on fertility and beauty. But a proposal to make forced sex legal on private property was met with protest.

The rallies were canceled because of backlash. On the Return of Kings website Valizedah said he could “no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men” who wanted to attend.

Valizadeh has since gone on to say the article was satire.

Gov. Greg Abbott said the leaders of the group have “disgusting viewpoints that are not welcome in Texas.”