This is reportedly the first known instance of a city going against its own state since Trump's executive order against men in women's sports took effect. 
The State of Pennsylvania previously said it will comply with the president's order.
Diane Gramley is President of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania.
"Philadelphia is the most liberal city in addition to being the largest city in Pennsylvania. So, it's not really surprising, I suppose.”
“The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association said that they would follow President Trump's executive order concerning boys’ and girls’ sports, etcetera. So, they're actually going beyond just the schools there,” she said.
Before the EO, the PIAA had a policy that permitted athletes to choose their teams to match their preferred gender identity.
Gramley said Philadelphia is making its own rules as it goes along.
“But it's truly tragic that they're going to be putting girls in danger there in the city of Philadelphia, and giving so-called transgender girls/women, boys who think they're women, the advantage over the biological females."
So why the push to keep these measures in place? Gramley said her only thought would be lobbyists.
“The LGBTQ lobby is so powerful in Philadelphia. I mean that is the largest … I've been to the Philadelphia gay pride parade many times, unfortunately, to document sponsors and churches that are actually in the parade. My only thought is that the LGBTQ lobby, the city council are extremely pro-homosexual as well as the school district itself."
Gramley explained the LGBTQ activists are putting the pressure on the more-than-willing school district and city council to do what they need to defy Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (shown left and below).
“And to defy the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association as well as President Trump's executive order. In essence, I think it's spite also."
Gramley said it's important to keep an eye on this situation because it will show Governor Shapiro's true colors. Will he bow to the dictates of the Philadelphia Council and Philadelphia School District, or will he do what he's already said, and lead the state in following the president's executive order?
Shapiro in 2013 was Montgomery County Commissioner when he defied then-state law by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
As state Attorney General he was honored by Human Rights Campaign as a reliable friend to LGBTQ causes.
“Governor Shapiro down deep in his heart is also not in agreement with President Trump's executive order, but he has said Pennsylvania will follow the order. So, we’ll see what he does with Philadelphia. I know he's also pro-LGBTQ. So, I really cannot predict what's going to happen with this issue."
