SAN FRANCISCO from www.courthousenews.com – A transgendered golfer sued the Ladies Professional Golf Association for civil rights violations, unfair competition and interference, objecting to LPGA rules that stipulate “that members be female at birth.”

Lana Lawless, 57, claims the LPGA discriminates against her and other transgendered golfers.

Lawless also sued the Long Drivers of America, which recently changed its rules to reflect the LPGA’s, and tournament sponsors CVS Pharmacy, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Re/Max.

Lawless won the women’s division of the 2008 Re/Max World Long Drive Champion, a Long Drivers (LDA) tournament, before the revised rules barred her from competing. Her winning drive was 254 yards, she says in her federal complaint.

She says her win entitled her to a 5-year exemption for world championship qualification, and that she lost at least $200 because she no longer receives that exemption.

Lawless seeks an injunction preventing the LPGA and LDA from denying membership to transgendered women, and she wants them enjoined from holding tournaments until they allow transgendered golfers to join.

She also seeks $4,000 in statutory damages, and punitive damages.

Lawless is represented by Christopher Dolan.

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