Politics & Government
AG Files Civil Rights Action Against Man Over 'Goffstown Pride' Sign
Frank Hobbs Jr. was accused of violating the NH Civil Rights Act June 5 by trespassing and removing signs supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
CONCORD, NH — Attorney General John M. Formella announces the initiation of an enforcement action by the New Hampshire Department of Justice Civil Rights Unit against Frank Hobbs, Jr., 56, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, alleging violations of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act.
The civil complaint alleges that on June 5, 2024, Hobbs trespassed upon and later destroyed the property of the victim, P.B., when he removed a sign that had been lawfully placed on public property in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Several signs had been placed by members of the public at the same location, but Hobbs only removed a new sign that read, “Goffstown Pride,” and expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community. Hobbs damaged the property when he disposed of and likely destroyed the sign. The complaint further alleges that animus on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity motivated the trespass and damage to the sign and that Hobbs’s actions interfered with the victim’s rights and lawful activities.
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Each violation of the Civil Rights Act allows for a maximum civil penalty of $5,000. Violations of the Civil Rights Act also empower the court to restrain the defendants from committing future violations of the Civil Rights Act and other hate-motivated conduct for three years. With its complaint, the Civil Rights Unit has asked the court to implement a preliminary restraining order to protect the victim and the public.
The complaints and the allegations contained herein are merely accusations that the Civil Rights Unit must prove at a final hearing.
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The Civil Rights Unit enforces state civil rights laws, including the Civil Rights Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination. Anyone who believes their civil rights have been violated may file a complaint at https://www.doj.nh.gov/bureaus/civil-rights-unit or by calling 603-271-3650.
This article first appeared on InDepthNH.org and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
