State Sen. Dave Schultheis restated his opposition to a bill requiring HIV tests for pregnant women by claiming that infected babies would cause families to “see the negative consequences of that promiscuity.”

The Colorado Springs Republican with a penchant for foot-in-mouth moments tells The Rocky Mountain News in a follow-up story to Wednesday’s Senate floor controversy:

“What I’m hoping is that, yes, that person may have AIDS, have it seriously as a baby and when they grow up, but the mother will begin to feel guilt as a result of that,” he said. “The family will see the negative consequences of that promiscuity and it may make a number of people over the coming years begin to realize that there are negative consequences and maybe they should adjust their behavior.”

Yes, Schultheis really said he is “hoping” people “have AIDS, have it seriously as a baby …”

Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry told the Rocky that “he’s not going to muzzle his caucus.”

“People are entitled to their opinions,” the Grand Junction Republican said. “It’s not my job to go around and censure people and tell them what to say.”

This is the second controversy to erupt on the Senate floor in so many days. Wray Greeley Republican Scott Renfroe drew fire after comparing homosexuality with murder while arguing against a bill that seeks to extend health benefits to same-sex partners of state employees.

UPDATE: The Rocky re-arranged its original story posted at 1:05 p.m. and buried Sen. Schultheis’ controversial quote in a linked side bar.