Continuing his efforts to promote fairness in women’s sports, Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster/Berks) is encouraging residents of the 99th Legislative District to participate in the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign. The initiative aims to gather support for female athletes across Pennsylvania.
The campaign invites Pennsylvanians to sign the “I Believe” promise, which calls attention to girls’ rights to a safe and fair environment in sports. The promise also emphasizes their right to compete for titles and scholarships and have private locker room spaces without males present.
Zimmerman stated, “I’ve consistently supported legislation that would protect our female athletes’ privacy and guarantee fair competition for them on the playing field. This issue is one on which an overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians have already weighed in, and the ‘Defending Our Daughters’ campaign is the latest opportunity for them to voice their opposition to male athletes competing against women and changing alongside them in locker rooms.”
The online version of the “I Believe” promise is available for signing, with hard copies offered at Zimmerman’s district office at 2800 North Reading Road, Reinholds. According to Zimmerman, this information will be shared with Governor Josh Shapiro and House leaders as part of efforts to prompt legislative action this year.
So far during this session, House Democrats have not brought three bills focused on protecting women’s sports up for a vote. One bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support in May but has since been referred through several committees within the House, including Education, Health, and Judiciary Committees. Two other related bills followed a similar path through committee referrals.
