Dad Legislators Call for Action to Defend Daughters in Sports

October 28, 2025

WHAT: A group of dads – who also serve as state lawmakers – are leading a call for action on legislation to protect the rights of all daughters to compete on a level playing field in sports. The Dads Defending Daughters legislation, House Bill 1849, was introduced last month and would require public school entities and public institutions of higher education to ensure their sports activities are designated as male, female or coed, and expressly prohibit biological males from competing in teams or sports designated for females.

WHO: Speakers include: Reps. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford), Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) and Joe D’Orsie (R-York); Frank Murphy, chair of Athletes for America Coalition; Lily Williams, former Hempfield School District (Lancaster County) student athlete; and Paula Scanlan, senior fellow at the American Principles Project and former Division 1 swimmer. They will be joined by other lawmakers, including Reps. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) and Joe Hamm (R-Lycoming/Sullivan), as well as students and parents.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Ryan Office Building Atrium, PA Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.

Media contact: Patricia Hippler, 717.649.4689.