Author of rape bill complains of threats

State representative says he’s received harassing emails.

A powerful member of the Georgia Legislature has asked law enforcement officials to look into harassing emails and social media posts targeting him and his staff after he tried to pass what became known as the campus rape bill.

State Rep. Earl Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, said he has contacted both Capitol police and the GBI about individuals who have left him threatening or vulgar posts.

Ehrhart, who once derided the idea of an opponent who didn’t like his bill as a “little snowflake” who would melt at the first sign of confrontation, said the posts go too far and have forced him to take down material that may identify constituents for fear they may also be targeted.

He said he also worried about children reading the material, which in some cases included references to sexual acts or threats of physical violence against him or his family.

Ehrhart’s measure, which is designed to protect the due process rights of students accused of sexual misconduct, stemmed from his belief that too many students are falsely accused and yet are still investigated and even punished by Georgia college officials.

Those who have been fighting against the bill say it would weaken campus judicial systems that protect sexual assault victims.

The legislation failed to gain final passage last week as lawmakers finished their work for the year. It remains available for consideration next year, however, and because of Ehrhart’s maneuvering, it is currently contained in two pieces of legislation (House Bill 51 and Senate Bill 71).