July 11, 2025
Harrisburg, PA – The Pacific Justice Institute – Center for Public Policy (PJI-CPP), a leading advocate for parental rights, recently called on Pennsylvania lawmakers to support Pennsylvania’s Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), the Save Women’s Sports Act. This critical legislation seeks to protect the integrity of women’s sports by ensuring that athletic competitions are fair, safe, and equitable for female athletes across the Commonwealth. Several procedural maneuvers threaten the bill’s passage.
SB 9 upholds the principle that biological differences matter in sports, preserving opportunities for women and girls to compete and succeed on a level playing field. By requiring that athletic teams be designated based on biological sex, the bill safeguards the rights of female athletes to fair competition and protects the progress made under Title IX.
“Parents, families, and communities across America and in Pennsylvania are united in their call for fairness in women’s sports,” said Brad Dacus, president and founder of PJI. “SB 9 is a common-sense measure and we urge Pennsylvania lawmakers to vote on this bill immediately and send a clear message that fairness and opportunity for women and girls are non-negotiable.”
SB 9 passed the Senate with bipartisan support in a vote of 32-18 on March 26, 2025, but has since been blocked in the House Education Committee where the Chairman has refused to hold a committee vote. On Monday, July 7, 2025 Representative Barb Gleim filed a discharge petition to force SB 9’s consideration in the House. The discharge petition would allow lawmakers to release a bill out of committee with 25 signatures. When it appeared SB 9 had enough signatures, on Tuesday, July 8th, Democrats re-referred the bill to another committee, restarting the 15-day timer before another discharge petition could be filed.
“Delaying a floor vote denies Pennsylvania women and girls the legal protections they deserve,” stated PJI Legislative Counsel, Janice Lorrah who submitted a letter to House members lawmakers calling on them to act swiftly and decisively by bringing SB 9 to a full floor vote.
PJI-CPP further encourages all Pennsylvanians to contact their legislators to express support for this vital legislation.
from the desk of
Brad Dacus
