State Rep. Jim Rigby, who represents the 71st Legislative District in Cambria and Somerset counties, is encouraging residents to participate in the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign, which aims to support female athletes in Pennsylvania.
The campaign invites Pennsylvanians to sign the “I Believe” promise. This pledge emphasizes the rights of girls to compete on a fair and equal playing field, win championships and scholarships, and have private locker rooms without males present. The initiative also calls on state leaders and citizens to take responsibility for protecting female athletes.
“There was very little controversy more than 50 years ago when Congress passed Title IX, which ensured equality for female athletes,” said Rigby. “It was the right thing to do then and protecting opportunities for girls and women in sports is the right thing to do now. That is an opinion shared by a majority of Pennsylvanians and the ‘Defending Our Daughters’ campaign provides them with an opportunity to further demonstrate their support for a level playing field.”
The “I Believe” promise can be signed online or at Rigby’s district offices in Cresson, Johnstown, and Windber. Information collected will be shared with Governor Josh Shapiro and House leaders as part of efforts to address this issue during the current legislative session.
According to Rigby, House Democrats have not held votes on three bills intended to protect women’s sports. One bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support but has been moved between several committees in the House. Two other bills were also redirected from committee assignments that could have led to floor votes.
Rigby has contributed to community service through roles in local government and organizations supporting domestic violence victims, as noted on his official website. He also addresses issues such as the opioid epidemic and blighted homes while drawing on his public service experience (source). As state representative for areas including specific townships, boroughs, and school districts in Cambria and Somerset counties (source), Rigby focuses on legislative matters such as communications, judiciary, liquor control, and veterans affairs (source).
For more information about Rep. Rigby’s work or district details, visit his official website.
