Animal rights organization PETA drew criticism for equating animal-based idioms to hate speech targeting people of color and other marginalized groups.

The controversy stemmed from a series of tweets posted Tuesday that called for an end to speciesism. PETA claimed idioms such as "bringing home the bacon" are the same as racist, homophobic and ableist language.

"Just as it became unacceptable to use racist, homophobic, or ableist language, phrases that trivialize cruelty to animals will vanish as more people begin to appreciate animals for who they are and start 'bringing home the bagels' instead of the bacon," PETA said on Twitter.

Over the past few years, groups fighting for equality in American society demanded people use appropriate language to show respect to others. Language has historically been used to dehumanize and other minorities. PETA acknowledged this and used it to further its point.

"Words matter, and as our understanding of social justice evolves, our language evolves along with it. Here’s how to remove speciesism from your daily conversations."

In a subsequent image accompanying the tweet, the activist organization unabashedly listed alternatives to these age-old phrases.

Instead of "kill two birds with one stone," say "feed two birds with one scone," and instead of "being the guinea pig," say "be the test tube," PETA suggested.

Words matter, and as our understanding of social justice evolves, our language evolves along with it. Here’s how to remove speciesism from your daily conversations. pic.twitter.com/o67EbBA7H4

— PETA: Bringing Home the Bagels Since 1980 (@peta) December 4, 2018

Outraged Twitter users decided to push back on the outlandish statements for trivializing the plight of disenfranchised groups. A dragging was inevitable.

As someone subject to both recurrent racism and homophobia. pic.twitter.com/QQB67l4noH

— So-Called Saul ????️‍???? (@socalledsaul) December 5, 2018

Y’all know you can make your argument without stepping on the backs of POC and queer folx, right? right? https://t.co/REkwN9KTDS

— S.R.Toliver (@SR_Toliver) December 5, 2018

Never thought I'd see the day where PETA completely loses it and compares sayings things like "bring home the bacon" to racism, homophobia and ableism. @peta are yall good?? Is everything okay? pic.twitter.com/eUON47oNC8

— taeyong mullet enthusiast¹²⁷ (@REDCHERRYLlPS) December 6, 2018

PETA is always so chatty like they don't have kill shelters and a history of racism. pic.twitter.com/indHpzSoa9

— Krysilove aka Soul '87 (@krysilove) December 4, 2018

Racism and Homophobia are on a much different and more important level than having the need use, "bringing home the bagels." This is just desperate.

— Liana Haque (@LianaHaque) December 4, 2018

Sometimes you really don't have to take it there to make your point.

Giphy

Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.

Liking this content? Check these out:

Michelle Obama Reveals The Truth About 'Leaning In': 'That S**t Doesn't Work'

Mike Espy Files Paperwork For A 2020 Run After Losing Bid For Mississippi Senate Seat

Senators Kamala Harris And Cory Booker Tease Possible 2020 Campaign Reveals

PETA

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week