Defending Our Daughters: Make the Promise

January 7, 2026

HARRISBURG – As a lifelong advocate for children, families and fairness, Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-Luzerne) is inviting Pennsylvanians to join the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign and stand up for the next generation of female athletes across the Commonwealth.

As a mother and grandmother, Pugh says this issue is personal.

“This is about our daughters and granddaughters,” Pugh said. “Girls deserve the same opportunities generations before them fought for – the right to compete on a fair playing field, to pursue championships and scholarships, and to feel safe and respected in their own locker rooms.”

All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to sign the “I Believe” promise, affirming that girls have the right to:

• Fair and equal competition in school sports.
• Athletic opportunities and scholarships based on merit.
• Private locker rooms and changing spaces without biological males present.

The pledge also reinforces a shared responsibility – especially among elected leaders – to stop sitting on the sidelines and actively protect women’s sports.

“Protecting girls should never be controversial,” Pugh said. “It’s not about exclusion – it’s about fairness, safety and common sense. We owe it to young women to speak up and act.”

The “I Believe” promise is available online at defendingdaughters.com. Hard copies are also available at Pugh’s district office, located at 161 Main St. in Luzerne. Signed pledges will be shared with Gov. Josh Shapiro and House leadership to urge action during the current legislative session.

Despite growing public support, House Democrats have avoided votes on multiple bills designed to protect women’s sports. Senate Bill 9, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support in May, was initially referred to the House Education Committee but later moved to other committees to avoid a discharge vote. House Bills 158 and 1849 followed a similar path, preventing full House consideration.

“Pennsylvanians deserve transparency and accountability,” Pugh said. “If leaders truly support women and girls, then these bills deserve an up-or-down vote. Our daughters are watching.”

Representative Brenda Pugh
120th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
RepPugh.com / Facebook.com/RepBrendaPugh