State Rep. Mike Armanini (R-Clearfield/Elk) is urging Pennsylvanians to join the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign, which supports female athletes in the state. The campaign invites residents to sign the “I Believe” promise, which emphasizes girls’ rights to a fair and safe playing field, opportunities for scholarships, and private locker rooms without male presence.
The promise also calls on all Pennsylvanians, especially state leaders, to actively protect and defend female athletes. Armanini stated, “I believe women and girls have the right to compete in fairness and safety. They have the right to earn recognition and scholarships with dignity and respect. Simply put, men do not belong in women’s sports, and I will continue to fight for this common-sense policy.”
People can sign the “I Believe” promise online or obtain hard copies at Armanini’s district offices in DuBois, Clearfield, and St. Marys. The collected signatures will be shared with Governor Josh Shapiro and House leaders as part of efforts to prompt legislative action on this issue during the current session.
Armanini noted that House Democrats have not brought three bills related to protecting women’s sports up for a vote so far this session. One bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support in May but has since been moved between committees in the House—first from Education to Health, then to Judiciary—to avoid discharge resolutions that would require a vote. Two other similar bills were also redirected from Education to Judiciary Committee last month.
