LPGA votes to allow trans golfers

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) voted last night to remove its “female at birth” clause in a bid to allow transgender membership.

The bylaw change was a direct response to a lawsuit filed against the LPGA by 57-year-old Lana Lawless, a championship-winning golfer, who sued the association, claiming the “female at birth” clause violates California civil rights law.

Lawless, a retired police officer who underwent gender-reassignment surgery in 2005, released a statement in October about her lawsuit:

“I have traveled a long road to get to where I am now, a place where I always belonged as a strong, proud, capable woman. I am, in all respects, legally, and physically female. The State of California recognizes me as such and the LPGA should not be permitted to come into California and blatantly violate my rights. I just want to have the same opportunity to play professional golf as any other woman.”

The International Olympic Committee, the US Golf Association and the British Ladies Golf Union have already amended their bylaws to allow
transgender participation.

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