Last month, Townhall reported how a bill prohibiting people who believe they are transgender from using facilities that align with their “gender identity” may become the law of the land in Louisiana. This would fall in line with legislation with several other states working to protect women’s spaces from men who are masquerading as women.
For example, Utah enacted legislation to prohibit people who think they are “transgender” from using bathrooms that do not align with their biological sex, which Townhall covered.
“We want public facilities that are safe and accommodating for everyone and this bill increases privacy protections for all,” Republican Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement about the law.
This week, Utah launched a hotline aimed at enforcing the state’s transgender bathroom ban to keep women and girls safe. Less than 72 hours after the launch, the state said that the hotline received thousands of “bogus” complaints.
“We didn’t see anything that looks credible,” Utah Auditor John Dougall said in a phone call to The Salt Lake Tribune, adding that the claims have been “pretty easy” to screen. “For example, if they have my name as a complainant, you know, I’m not complaining.”
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“I would assume the Legislature probably didn’t think through what kind of public backlash might happen,” Dougall added.
The law requires the state auditor’s office to look into complaints of biological men using women’s facilities in government buildings. It took full effect on May 1 (via the Tribune):
“The alleged violation must have occurred at a publicly owned or controlled facility, program, or event,” the reporting tool informs those looking to submit a report. “When possible, citizens should make a good faith effort to address and resolve concerns with the government entity before submitting a complaint to the State Auditor.”
The auditor’s office asks five questions in the form — only requiring the reporter to submit a name, email and select which government entity they are complaining about.
It also provides a field for “documents supporting your complaint,” like images or PDFs, to be added to the report.
Predictably, left-wing activists were upset about the legislation. Democratic state Sen. Jen Plumb wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that it would be inappropriate for people to submit photos to support their complaints.
“Apparently Utah’s solution to people feeling unsafe in restrooms is to encourage folks to take photos of & focus extreme attention on the private parts of others who are taking care of a biological need to eliminate waste? What could go wrong?” she wrote in a post.
Apparently Utah’s solution to people feeling unsafe in restrooms is to encourage folks to take photos of & focus extreme attention on the private parts of others who are taking care of a biological need to eliminate waste?
— Jennifer Plumb (@jennifer_plumb) May 3, 2024
What could possibly go wrong? https://t.co/RRs7qLQL2y
Dougall responded, pointing out that his office “has no interest in those types of photos which, of course you know, would be illegal.”
“I'm disgusted by your suggestion of such revolting and criminal behavior! But if we get such photos, I'll know why,” he added.
Our hotline has historically allowed complainant to upload additional supporting information. My office has no interest in those types of photos which, of course you know, would be illegal. (Nor did we request this task.) But apparently, your solution to people feeling unsafe in…
— John "Frugal" Dougall (@VoteFrugal) May 4, 2024
