State Representative Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) has called on residents of Lawrence County and the wider Pennsylvania community to participate in the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign, an initiative supporting fairness in women’s sports.
Brown is encouraging Pennsylvanians to sign the “I Believe” promise. The pledge emphasizes girls’ rights to a safe and fair playing field, opportunities to compete for scholarships and titles, and access to private locker rooms without males present. According to Brown, the campaign also highlights the responsibility of all citizens and state leaders to protect female athletes.
“Girls deserve a level playing field – period,” said Brown. “Girls should never have to sacrifice fairness, safety or opportunity because adults refused to act. The ‘I Believe’ promise is a call to action for parents, athletes and lawmakers. Protecting women’s sports should not be controversial, and it’s time for leaders in Harrisburg to stop avoiding votes and start standing up for our daughters.”
The online version of the “I Believe” promise is available for signing, with hard copies offered at Brown’s office. Information gathered will be shared with Governor Josh Shapiro and House leadership as part of efforts toward legislative action this year.
Brown noted that during the current session, House Democrats have avoided holding votes on three bills designed to protect women’s sports. One bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support in May but was moved between committees in the House—first from Education Committee, then Health Committee, and now Judiciary Committee—to avoid a discharge resolution that would require a vote. Two other related bills followed similar paths from Education Committee to Judiciary Committee last December.
