Transgender activists in Utah have inundated a newly established tip line with thousands of hoax reports, aiming to shield trans residents and allies from potential threats posed by a new bathroom law. Utah Auditor John Dougall, tasked with managing the tip line, has expressed frustration at having to filter through fake complaints, stating that auditing was not intended for such tasks.
The online tip line, active for just a week, has already received over 10,000 submissions, all of which Dougall deems illegitimate. The submissions are prompted by a law requiring individuals to use facilities corresponding to their birth sex in government-owned buildings, with fines up to $10,000 per day for non-compliance.
Parents, students at Bonneville Elementary unite in support of trans/nonbinary individuals during April 29 block party.
Despite unsuccessful advocacy to prevent the passage of such laws, trans activists have found success in disrupting enforcement efforts. The Utah tip line was quickly disseminated on social media, with activists sharing spam submissions and encouraging others to follow suit. This strategy mirrors similar actions taken in other states with similar tip lines.
Erin Reed, a prominent trans activist, views these hoax reports as a form of protest against discriminatory laws and a means of safeguarding trans individuals. Reed emphasizes the difficulty in pinpointing legitimate cases amidst the deluge of submissions, thus creating a protective barrier for trans individuals who may be targeted.
While the auditor’s office struggles to sift through the influx of reports, Republican sponsors of the law remain steadfast in their support. They assert confidence in the tip line’s efficacy despite the activist-driven influx of false reports. Critics of the law warn of its potential to fuel gender-based discrimination in public spaces, highlighting recent controversies such as a school board member questioning a student’s gender identity.
