HARRISBURG — It has been 175 days since legislation to protect girl athletes was introduced in the Pennsylvania House—and 175 days of delays from House Democrats. On Wednesday morning, inside the Ryan Office Building atrium, a coalition of dad-legislators, current and former athletes, and families gathered to say enough is enough.
State Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga) opened with a direct appeal to fathers: “Dads, we cannot sit this one out… Stop with the political games with our daughters’ safety and do what is right, what is true, and what is just.”
He urged leadership to bring Senate Bill 9, House Bill 158, or House Bill 1849 to a vote: “Put one of them on the governor’s desk.”
Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna) set the tone of the event as he introduced speakers: “It’s an important day in Harrisburg as we stand up for fairness, common sense, and dignity.”
Former NFL wide receiver Frank Murphy (Athletes for America Coalition) was also there supporting the legislation. Stepping up to the microphone, he noted he was not there to talk about football, but about fatherhood. “I want you to know me as a dad that never gave up… Dads, get off the bench. It’s time to get in the game,” he said. “I’m going to protect [my daughters] with all I have, even my life.”
The most sobering moments came from two female athletes who described what it means when biological males are placed on girls’ teams and inside girls’ locker rooms.
Lily Williams, a former Hempfield High School track and field captain from Lancaster County, remembered walking into the girls’ locker room in 2021 and finding a boy sitting on the bench.
“For female athletes, locker rooms are more than just a place to change… Having a male present crosses personal boundaries,” she said. “We were so uncomfortable that many of us stopped changing in the locker rooms and started changing in the port-a-potties outside.” When she sought help, she said, school officials told her to accept the situation. “A previous safe place for a woman is now a place full of distress and anxiety.”
Rep. Joe Hamm (R-Lycoming), a prime sponsor of the Dads Defending Daughters bill package, nodded to the parental impulse that undergirds the effort: “It’s always the right time to stand up for our daughters.”
Paula Scanlan, a former Division I swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania, described the reality of competing against—and changing alongside—a male athlete. “He was undressing in our locker room 18 times per week,” she said. “When we tried to voice our concerns… we were told we were the problem and that we’d ‘regret it’ if we spoke out. It’s not “extremist” to want your daughters to be safe.” Scanlan said she speaks now “for the next generation” so that girls won’t have to relive what she and her teammates endured.
Rep. Joe D’Orsie (R-York) closed the press conference by stressing broad public support: “There’s likely not been an issue in recent memory with as much bipartisan support than ensuring equal opportunity and a measure of privacy for our girl athletes.”
Recent data affirms this. A national Parents Defending Education survey of 1,000 parents conducted by CRC Research (Dec. 12–18, 2024; ±3.1%) found:
- 78% oppose allowing biological males to participate on girls’ teams (including 86% of Republican parents, 80% of independents, and 60% of Democrats). Defending Education+1
- 77% oppose allowing biological males to use female bathrooms and locker rooms (Republicans 92%, independents 75%, Democrats 58%). Defending Education
Demographic crosstabs show strong opposition across racial groups as well. Defending Education
These are not abstract numbers. They reflect what you likely hear from parents and coaches in your own community: girls deserve fair competition and private spaces.
Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) was unequivocal. “This is not about hate. This is about science, safety, and fairness.”
The PA Freedom Caucus amplified the message in real time, thanking speakers and calling out the House delays.
Why it matters and what you can do
If you’re a parent, coach, or student, you’re already aware of the stakes.
As Lily put it, a team locker room is supposed to be a refuge; as Paula warned, silence unfairly shifts the burden to young women.
Lawmakers have the votes to fix this. They need the will.
What You Can Do
Contact your state representative. Ask them to bring SB 9, HB 158, or HB 1849 to an immediate vote to reserve girls’ sports and locker rooms for girls, and to put a bill on the Governor’s desk.
