Transgender woman sues the US LPGA
A transgender woman has filed a law suit against the US LPGA Tour after she was barred from playing in the tournament. The ban was imposed on her since the lady was not a female at birth which was against the rules of the tournament.
Lena Lawless entered the sport of golf as a woman and has a pretty good record to back her claims. Lawless, who is the 2008 Women’s Long Drive Association Champion, said that this policy breached all laws related to social rights in America. Before 2005,
Lawless was a man, more specifically a retired police officer. The player went through gender relocation surgery in 2005 and even though she took the 2008 title, she is still not allowed to play in the tournament in 2010. This prohibition came because the
Long Drive Association has changed its policies and attempted to equate it to those that the LPGA follow.
Lena appealed about the decision by writing a letter in May asking for permission to apply for the LPGA qualifying tournaments, but she was told that she would be refused. At the moment, Lawless is clearly using the law as she wants to stop any US LPGA events
taking place in California. She will try and not let events happen until the LPGA does not change its policies. This lawsuit may cause problems for the LPGA from the Long Drivers of America and a couple of title sponsors.
Lena’s lawyer, Christopher Dolan said that the state’s civil rights protect all minorities, which include transgender persons from discrimination. “The LPGA and LDA operate a number of high profile qualifying events and tournaments in California which are
highly lucrative to their sponsors,” said Dolan.
Lena defended herself by saying that she has worked really hard to reach where she is at the moment. The woman added that she had worked hard to earn all that she has and this was where she always belonged. “I always belonged as a strong, proud, capable
woman. I am, in all respects, legally and physically female,” said Lena.
She did reaffirm the fact that the State of California accepts her and hence protects her. According to Lena, the LPGA shouldn’t and doesn’t have the authority to come into Cali and disrespectfully infringe her rights. All Lena wants is the chance to play
professional golf just like any other women. She thinks that the gender should definitely not decide or affect her dreams of pursuing what she loves.
The lawsuit will initiate in Danville California today.
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