Jan. 08, 2026
HARRISBURG – Continuing their advocacy for fairness in women’s sports, York County Republican lawmakers are inviting people to join the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign to show support for the Commonwealth’s female athletes.
The lawmakers include Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28) and Dawn Keefer (R-31); and Reps. Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Mike Jones (R-York Township), Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester), Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion) and Marc Anderson (R-Dillsburg).
All Pennsylvanians are invited to sign the “I Believe” promise to highlight the rights of girls to have a safe, fair and equal playing field; to compete to win games, championships and titles; to earn scholarships; and to have private locker rooms, without males being present.
The promise also reinforces the shared responsibility of all Pennsylvanians, and specifically the state’s leaders, to get off the sidelines to protect and defend female athletes.
“The ‘I Believe’ promise is a powerful way for Pennsylvanians to stand together in defense of fairness, safety and opportunity for Pennsylvania’s daughters. We urge every citizen to join us in protecting the integrity of women’s sports and ensuring Title IX continues to uphold its original intent,” said the lawmakers.
The “I Believe” promise is available online for people to sign at www.defendingdaughters.com. Hard copies are also available in lawmakers’ district offices. The information will be shared with Gov. Josh Shapiro and House leaders to support action on the issue this year.
So far this session, majority House Democrats have avoided votes on three different bills aimed at protecting women’s sports.
Senate Bill 9, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support in May, was initially – and appropriately – referred to the House Education Committee. To avoid a discharge resolution, the bill was re-referred to the Health Committee and is now in the Judiciary Committee. House Bills 158 and 1849 were also initially referred to the Education Committee but were re-referred to Judiciary in December, also to avoid discharge resolutions that would force a vote on the bills.
York County Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com