Transgender Woman Sues LPGA Over ‘Female at Birth’ Rule
A transgender woman is suing the Ladies Professional Golf Association and a group sponsoring a long-drive competition because of their requirement that women competitors be “female at birth.”
Golfer Lana Lawless claims in a federal lawsuit filed in San Francisco that the rule violates California civil rights law, the New York Times reports. Lawless, 57, won the championship sponsored by the Long Drivers of America in 2008. She claims she was told she will be ineligible for the tournament this year and the decision cost her a sponsorship with Bang Golf, a company that sells golf drivers.
Lawless, a retired police officer, had gender-reassignment surgery in 2005. According to the story, several sports groups allow transgender women to compete if they have had the surgery. They include the International Olympic Committee and the United States Golf Association.
