Lawless v. LPGA Complaint

(Source: FindLaw) Professional golfer Lana Lawless has sued the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Long Drive Association (LDA), along with sponsors of LPGA and LDA events in California over rules requiring female participants to be female at birth. Lawless claims she was deemed ineligible for membership in the LPGA due to being a transgender woman. Lawless won the 2008 LDA Women’s Long Drive Championship, but her complaint alleges the LDA revised its entry requirements to include being female at birth.

Lawless seeks damages as well as an injunction to prevent the LPGA and LDA from hosting events in California as long as their “female at birth” requirements remain. Her suit claims violations of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, as well as unfair competition, and intentional interference with economic advantage under California law.