Headlines from the Granite State
Trans ban law
On January 1, two state bills prohibiting most gender-affirming medical care for transgender and gender-diverse youth under 18 are to go into effect. The bans include puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender-affirming chest surgeries for minors—although those already receiving care will be “grandfathered in.”
New Hampshire is the only state in New England to adopt such a comprehensive ban.
“Medical decisions made at a young age can carry lifelong consequences, and these bills represent a balanced, bipartisan effort to protect children,” Gov. Ayotte said in a statement accompanying the bill signings.
Said Rosie Emrich, a parent of a transgender daughter and who testified against the bill, “This isn’t the New Hampshire that I love.”
The new legislation flies in the face of the advice and findings of major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association.
“I’m just really sad for all our trans youth here in New Hampshire and for New Hampshire in general,” Emrich told New Hampshire Public radio.
Pride sign theft
In October, a New Hampshire judge ruled that a Goffstown man violated the state’s civil rights laws when he stole a Pride sign from someone’s home, reported NBC-TV 10.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Frank Hobbs Jr. was captured on a trail camera removing a “Goffstown Pride” sign in June 2024 after a resident, whose legally posted signs kept disappearing, set up surveillance. Local police said Hobbs was easily identifiable because he is well known in town.
Attorney General John M. Formella said the court found Hobbs’ actions were motivated by the victim’s support for LGBTQ+ residents and unlawfully interfered with her right to express that support—constituting a violation of the New Hampshire Civil Rights Act. Though Hobbs initially denied involvement, he later claimed town hall officials told him he could remove signs he believed displayed “pedophile symbols.”
Formella’s office is seeking a civil penalty and restraining order. A penalty hearing was scheduled for December.
Pappas takes a lead
A recent Saint Anselm College poll suggests that Congressman Chris Pappas enters New Hampshire’s 2026 US Senate race as the dominant Democratic contender—and a formidable general-election competitor.
In 2019, Pappas became the first openly LGBTQ person from the Granite State elected to Congress, and voters sent him back for an impressive fourth term in 2024. He cochairs the US Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus
For his Senate race, Pappas holds a commanding 64 percent in the Democratic primary, far outpacing scientist Karishma Manzur (8 percent) and state Rep. Jared Sullivan (2 percent). Analysts say the margin underscores his statewide name recognition and broad appeal as he seeks to move from the House to the Senate.
The Republican field, by contrast, remains unsettled. Former US Sen. John E. Sununu leads the GOP primary with 39 percent, followed by former Sen. Scott Brown at 30 percent, with a third of voters undecided. Brown’s support from “very conservative” voters suggests a potentially volatile race.
In projected November matchups, Pappas leads Brown 44–36 percent and edges Sununu 44–41 percent, placing both contests within striking distance. Observers expect heavy national investment as New Hampshire emerges as a top-tier battleground.
HRC Municipal Equality Index
Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its 14th edition of the Municipal Equality Index (MEI)—the only comprehensive nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in the areas of municipal policies, laws and services.
In New Hampshire, Portsmouth came in at 95, Durham at 93, Manchester 81, Dover 80, Nashua 71, Concord 69, Keene 54, Rochester 51, Derry 46 and Plymouth at 32.
For a breakdown and interpretation of the stats in detail, visit hrc.org/resources/municipal-equality-index