A group of Pennsylvania legislators known as the “Dads Defending Daughters” has launched a new campaign called Defending Our Daughters, aiming to rally public support for restricting participation in women’s sports to individuals identified as female at birth. The initiative invites residents across the state to sign the “I Believe” promise, which advocates for maintaining what the group describes as fair competition and equal opportunities for girls and women in both team and individual sports.
The coalition includes Representatives Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford), Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland), Joe D’Orsie (R-York), Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne), and Joe Hamm (R-Lycoming/Sullivan). Nearly two dozen other lawmakers have joined their efforts, voicing support for female athletes.
In a joint statement, the legislators said: “The vast majority of Pennsylvanians, regardless of political affiliation, agree sports designated for girls and women should be played only by biological girls and women. It’s simple, sensible and essential that we act to ensure girls’ sports and the life lessons and scholarship opportunities they present are protected for female athletes. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania alone, girls have lost medals or placements to boys in at least 66 separate instances – from swimming to fencing to track. That is unacceptable.
“We are inviting all Pennsylvanians to join us in making the ‘I Believe’ promise to our collective daughters – the girls and women of all ages who work hard every day on fields and courts and in pools and stadiums across our Commonwealth.
“These hard-working athletes deserve better than what they are getting from the House Democrat majority, who refuse to allow bills that would simply prevent biological males from participating in women’s sports to be considered in committee. They know the public wants to protect girls, both in competition and in the locker room. They know a majority of legislators would vote to provide that protection. Yet, for reasons that defy logic, they do not want these bills to pass.
“Let’s come together and show the House majority they are failing our daughters and the majority of the people they represent by refusing to allow debate and consideration of these proposals. Let’s show our girl athletes they are NOT alone in this fight to protect their right to fair competition.”
Supporters can sign the “I Believe” promise online at defendingdaughters.com or visit local legislative offices for hard copies. According to organizers, signatures will be shared with Governor Josh Shapiro as well as House leaders as part of ongoing advocacy efforts this year.
During this legislative session, House Democrats have refrained from bringing three bills related to women’s sports eligibility up for votes. Senate Bill 9 passed with bipartisan support but was moved between committees—first referred appropriately according to procedure but later shifted among Health, Education, and Judiciary Committees—to avoid discharge resolutions that could force a vote on its provisions. Similarly, House Bills 158 and 1849 were also redirected among committees rather than proceeding directly toward a floor vote.
