He stole Pride yard signs, calling them "pedophile symbols." Now he's paying the price. - LGBTQ Nation

"When a hidden camera captured 56-year-old Frank Hobbs Jr. stealing a woman's pro-LGBTQ+ yard signs last June, the New Hampshire man claimed that municipal officials in Goffstown had given him permission to remove "pedophile symbols." But now he's being charged with violating state civil rights laws and could face thousands in fines. Hobbs was recorded removing a pro-LGBTQ+ sign from a town intersection and placing it in his car in June 2024."

"When asked about the sign theft, Hobbs denied knowing anything about it. But when police informed him of the incriminating video footage, he said that he found the signs personally offensive and claimed that city officials told him he could remove signs that displayed "pedophile symbols." Hobbs, right-wing politicians, and Christian conservatives have repeatedly claimed that LGBTQ+ people and their allies are "groomers" who wish to "sexualize" and sexually abuse children. These claims encourage acts of violence and vandalism against queer people and their friends."

"Local law enforcement said Hobbs was easily recognizable in the video because he's well known in the community, WBTS-CD reported. In response to his alleged theft, the New Hampshire Department of Justice filed a complaint accusing Hobbs of violating the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act. A judge ruled that Hobbs' actions constituted destruction of property and were "motivated by the victim's support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and interfered with her right to engage in lawful expressive activity.""

A hidden camera captured 56-year-old Frank Hobbs Jr. removing a woman's pro-LGBTQ+ "Goffstown Pride" yard sign and placing it in his car in June 2024. The homeowner set the camera after signs went missing. Hobbs initially denied knowledge but told police he found the signs personally offensive and claimed municipal officials permitted removal of signs displaying "pedophile symbols." The New Hampshire Department of Justice filed a complaint under the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act. A judge ruled the conduct constituted destruction of property motivated by the victim's support for LGBTQ+ people and interfering with her lawful expressive activity. Hobbs could face thousands in fines.

Read at LGBTQ Nation