A group of Pennsylvania state legislators known as “Dads Defending Daughters” criticized the House Education Committee for not holding a vote on bills intended to protect women’s sports. The committee, led by Democrats, voted to send two related bills to the House Judiciary Committee instead of considering them directly.
The lawmakers involved in the group are 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).
In a joint statement, the group said: “It’s disgraceful that House Democrats refuse to vote on an issue that would protect the rights of women and girl athletes to compete on a level playing field. Both bills sent to the House Judiciary Committee today deal with interscholastic sports policies, not civil or criminal issues typically handled by this committee.
“Apparently House Democrats are fine with our daughters being beaten out by biological males in sports specifically designated for women and girls. Apparently, they are OK with those same biological males changing in women’s locker rooms. Apparently, they are OK with female athletes being robbed of scholarships and other competitive opportunities because they aren’t being given the level playing field promised all those years ago when Title IV was adopted.
“Polls indicate 80% of people support polices that ensure fairness in women’s sports. So why are Democrats so insistent on not even bringing this bill up for a vote? The legislative gymnastics have to stop. Our girls – our daughters – deserve better.”
The legislators also pointed out that Senate Bill 9, another Fairness in Women’s Sports Bill which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, has been moved between committees without coming up for a vote in the House.
