Court Finds Goffstown Man Violated New Hampshire Civil Rights Act

Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the Hillsborough County Superior Court - Northern District has found that Frank Hobbs, Jr., of Goffstown, violated the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act (RSA 354-B) by removing and disposing of a "Goffstown Pride" sign that had been lawfully placed at a public intersection.

In her ruling, Judge Amy Messer concluded that Hobbs' conduct was motivated by the victim's support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and interfered with her right to engage in lawful expressive activity. The Court found that this conduct constituted damage to property motivated by bias in violation of the Civil Rights Act.

"This case reinforces a core principle of our system: all Granite Staters have the right to express their views free from unlawful interference," said Attorney General Formella. "New Hampshire's Civil Rights Act protects everyone equally, regardless of who they are or what they believe, and my office will continue to enforce it fairly and firmly."

A hearing to determine the appropriate relief is scheduled for December 1, 2025. The Attorney General's Office has requested a civil penalty and a restraining order prohibiting further violations of the Civil Rights Act.

The case was investigated by the Goffstown Police Department and prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Sean Locke, Director of the Civil Rights Unit.

The New Hampshire Civil Rights Act prohibits the use or threat of physical force, property damage, or trespass when motivated by a person's actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Anyone who experiences or witnesses such conduct may contact the Civil Rights Unit of the New Hampshire Department of Justice at (603) 271-3650 or [email protected].