LPGA Changes Rules to Allow Trans Women Golfers to Go Pro

Female professional golfers voted Tuesday to allow transgender women the opportunity to tee off.

The LPGA's constitution will be changed to remove the "female at birth" requirement,according to ESPN. A constitutional alteration requires two thirds of the members to approve of any changes.

The decision comes as Lana Lawless, 57, underwent sex-reassignment surgery in 2005 and then filed a lawsuit against the league, claiming it violated California's civil rights laws. Lawless was a long-drive champion in 2008, but was barred from competing at the same event this year because the Long Drivers of America, which runs it, changed its policies to reflect the LPGA's then-current policy.

The vote came just before the LPGA championship tour begins Thursday in Orlando, Fla.

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