EL PASO, Texas -- The activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA gathered in Downtown El Paso Thursday, and it had many people turning out to see what was going on.

However, instead of finding anything animal-related, El Pasoans found two half-dressed women on a blow-up mattress, French kissing. It had people snapping shots with their phones and cameras, but beyond the shock value, PETA promised there was a message.

"This weekend is Valentine's Day, so it is a great time to get the point across that vegetarians have lower rates of impotence and this is also a great way to show off what a healthy vegetarian body looks like," said Ashley Byrne of PETA.

Vegetarians, Byrne said, have more stamina in the bedroom because they are healthier. It is a point that resonated with other local vegetarians.

"The point that they are trying to get across right now is about the whole love issue because I'm a lot healthier because before, I was overweight,” vegetarian Miguel Rodriguez said. “I am a better lover now."

Some people, however, didn't get the point.

"Honestly I just want to slap those girls.” Patty Juarez said. “That’s disrespectful for my two kids, and I mean that’s not even right, and then them kissing like that.”

As men and women gawked and snapped pictures, offensive or not, the hope was that the message got across.

“Learn more about how delicious and easy a vegetarian lifestyle is," Byrne said.