LPGA To Vote On Trans Inclusion

In  response to Lana Lawless' October 12 federal discrimination lawsuit, the LPGA according to a report on GolfChannel.com is preparing to hold a November 30 player meeting at its Tour Championship event in Orlando to propose that its “female at birth” requirement for membership be changed to allow transgender membership.

The players were briefed at a recent meeting at a South Korean tour event in late October that the 'female at birth' requirement was created in a different era and time frame, is difficult to defend legally and other sporting organizations such as the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Golf Association, the Ladies European Tour and the British Ladies Golf Union have amended their bylaws to allow trans participation in their events.

Even if the LPGA changes its bylaws, Lawless' attorney Christopher Dolan said the lawsuit will continue to be pursued as Lawless seeks damages for interference with her ability to earn a living as a professional golfer.  

The LPGA rules as currently constituted also prohibit her from becoming a teaching member of the association


It will take a 2/3 vote of LPGA members to change those bylaws, and we'll see on November 30 if that happens.