JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Springfield Republican is facing vile messages online in response to a bill that would allow religious groups sanctioned by college campuses to limit their membership to those of the same religion.
The measure is being sponsored by state Rep. Elijah Haahr.
On Wednesday, Haahr took to Twitter to reveal some of the messages he has received in opposition to his bill, revealing half a dozen accusing him of membership in hate groups in terms that would not be appropriate for a public debate.
“The level of discourse in politics has descended into the gutter. It’s time to shine the light on those who send vile, nasty threats,” he said.
Most of the messages accused Haahr of being gay in rather vile terms.
This was the first email I received. Explicit so read at your own risk. pic.twitter.com/tqZ1Xq0ziI
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) January 14, 2015
This message comments on my smile. A little mean spirited but not the worst I received. pic.twitter.com/6ZmfGD88hb
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) January 14, 2015
A Jethro reference and an anti-catholic slur. pic.twitter.com/DjTRCn1EeZ
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) January 14, 2015
A couple of the others accused him of being a Nazi.
This email calls me a nazi and an…well, you can read it. pic.twitter.com/u0cZiIMBbl
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) January 14, 2015
Frank makes another Nazi allegation and wants me to move to a warmer climate. pic.twitter.com/X0becTDDMu
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) January 14, 2015
Another accused Haahr of being a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
Art claims I am a member of the KKK. pic.twitter.com/9WJQ2mTYGG
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) January 14, 2015
And this guy wanted Haahr to know he’s going to hell.
.RobertRufa says I am going to hell. pic.twitter.com/d2BHtHpTPi
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) January 14, 2015
Right after he’s beheaded by ISIS.
Definitely the worst one. Gabe says he will cheer when they cut my head off. #Intolerant pic.twitter.com/d2MgNYZN0q
— Elijah Haahr (@elijahhaahr) January 14, 2015