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“No guessing. No assumptions. Put it on the record,” is the guiding principle of a statewide effort to document where Pennsylvania lawmakers and legislative candidates stand on protecting women’s and girls’ sports and private spaces. The initiative produced a public accounting of responses — and nonresponses — from all 203 members of the state House.
The project was launched by two Pennsylvania moms, Holly Magalengo and Alexis Pasternak, who contacted every state representative and current candidates about protecting female athletes and maintaining sex separated spaces. Frustrated by the House’s “committee roulette” and its continued failure to bring women’s sports legislation to a full House vote, the two decided to put lawmakers’ positions on the record.
Their approach was straightforward: ask lawmakers and candidates directly, give them an opportunity to explain their positions in their own words, and make those responses available to the public before Election Day.
The results may not be surprising to some: the vast majority of supporters are Republicans with only two Democrats on the record supporting girls and women.
Magalengo explained the reason for the grassroots initiative.
“It is highly concerning that only two Democratic House Representatives support protecting girls’ sport and even that information was gathered from past voting records and interviews,” said Magalengo. “Our elected officials represent us and this is an 80/20 issue. So clearly there is a disconnect when it comes to terms of representing their constituents on these issues. Our goal was to arm Pennsylvanians with this information before the election and draw attention to the fact that Republicans support our daughters while Democrats are avoiding this issue.”
Pasternak and Magalengo contacted members and candidates by phone and email, requesting statements about their positions. Responses were documented through written statements, quotes, and audio or video recordings, which were shared on Facebook, X, and Instagram when permission was granted.
According to those who responded to the survey, 85 House members — all Republicans — publicly support protections for women’s and girls’ sports and private spaces, while 63 — all Democrats — oppose them. Democratic Representatives Frank Burns (Cambria County) and Ed Neilson (Northeast Philadelphia) did not respond to the question directly but they have both expressed support previously.
The organizers also reviewed legislative activity, including sponsorship and co-sponsorship of House Bills 158 and 1849 — bills proposed to protect girls and women — as well as lawmakers’ previous public comments and voting records.
The outreach revealed a significant difference in participation between the parties. Many Republican representatives provided video statements, while most Democratic members did not respond. Rep. Chris Rabb’s office was the only Democrat who replied with an email response.
“Regarding the legislation you referenced, Representative Rabb does not support measures that broadly exclude transgender girls and women from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. While he recognizes the importance of fairness and safety in athletics, he believes these concerns should be addressed without unnecessarily excluding or discriminating against students.”
According to the organizers, Republican Rep. Scott Barger emphasized that public engagement will be essential if the issue is to receive legislative attention.
“The only way this issue wins is if the people in Pennsylvania make it an issue worth voting about,” Barger said. “If you make it an issue that is important to you, it will be important to the majority party in the House of Representatives.”
Pasternak encouraged Pennsylvanians to review the responses, contact their representatives, and consider the issue when voting. Their message was summed up in another phrase accompanying the project: “Remember in November.”
“I refuse to believe that this is an issue only Republicans care about,” said Pasternak. “Look at State Representative Jonah Wheeler, a Democrat, in New Hampshire, who is very vocal about his concerns and opposition to males in females sport and spaces. Are you telling me there are no Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who would like to do the same?”
What began as an effort by two residents to contact all 203 members of the Pennsylvania House has created a public record of lawmakers’ stated positions, legislative histories, and willingness — or unwillingness — to respond to questions about women’s and girls’ sports.
Magalengo pledged to continue to share information even after Election Day.
“Pennsylvanians deserve to know where their elected officials stand on this issue,” said Magalengo. “This was a daunting effort for two people, but never underestimate what two determined people can accomplish. When diligence meets persistence, two voices can start a conversation, demand accountability, and become the beginning of real change.”
The effort by Magalengo and Pasternak demonstrates that public accountability does not have to wait for lawmakers to act. By asking direct questions and documenting the answers — or lack thereof — they have given Pennsylvanians a clearer picture of where their elected officials stand. And, as Magalengo made clear, their work isn’t finished on Election Day.
Responses are posted on Magalengo’s X (@holly_berre), Facebook (@Holly Ann Mongoose), and Instagram (@Hollyberre6) accounts and Pasternak’s X (@luce_lexi) and Facebook (@Alexis Pasternak) accounts.