Harmeet Dhillon, a well-known California attorney and conservative activist, was appointed as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights on April 3, 2025, following a 52–45 Senate vote. Dhillon's appointment has caused significant apprehension among LGBTQ+ rights organizations due to her extensive history of opposing transgender protections, criticising diversity initiatives, and supporting far-right legal causes.
Background on Harmeet Dhillon
Dhillon, based in San Francisco, California, is a Republican with a background in corporate law. Born in Chandigarh, India, she immigrated to the United States as a child. She attended Dartmouth College for her undergraduate studies and earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Dhillon's career includes serving as the vice chair of the California Republican Party and as a founder of the Dhillon Law Group in San Francisco. She is also the founder of the Center for American Liberty, an organization dedicated to championing what it describes as the civil liberties of Americans overlooked by traditional civil rights groups.
Dhillon's Record on LGBTQ+ Issues
Dhillon's record indicates a consistent opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, especially in matters affecting transgender people.
Stance on Same-Sex Marriage
In a 2020 podcast, Dhillon cited her Sikh faith as informing her belief in "traditional marriage," understood as marriage between a man and a woman. During her 2025 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, she acknowledged the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges as binding precedent, affirming the constitutional right to same-sex marriage. However, her commitment to defending this right remains under scrutiny.
Transgender Athletes in Sports
Dhillon has publicly opposed allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports, arguing that it compromises the integrity and fairness of women's athletics. Critics argue that such stances detract from addressing genuine issues such as unequal funding and sexism, which more significantly impact female athletes.
Access to Public Bathrooms
Dhillon has been a vocal opponent of policies allowing transgender individuals to use facilities that align with their gender identity. She argues that these policies threaten the safety and dignity of cisgender women. Her organization has engaged in legal actions against schools and organizations supporting transgender-inclusive policies.
LGBTQ+ Topics in Education
Dhillon has supported initiatives that restrict discussions of LGBTQ+ topics in schools, aligning with the controversial "Don't Say Gay" laws. Her organization has filed lawsuits against school districts for implementing policies that affirm transgender students' identities, arguing that such policies infringe on parental rights.
Gender-Affirming Care
Dhillon opposes gender-affirming care for transgender youth, referencing concerns about its long-term impacts. Her organization has represented detransitioners in lawsuits against healthcare providers, challenging the medical practices related to gender transition.
Broader Implications for LGBTQ+ Rights
Dhillon's appointment to lead the Civil Rights Division marks a potential shift in the federal handling of civil rights enforcement, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ protections. Advocacy groups express concern that her leadership may lead to the erosion of existing protections and a rollback of advancements in LGBTQ+ rights.
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