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.”

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