The leader of a New England neo-Nazi group has agreed to admit he violated New Hampshire’s civil rights law three years after leading a demonstration outside a Concord café hosting a children’s drag story hour, according to the attorney general’s office.
On Father’s Day in June 2023, nearly two dozen members of the white supremacist group Nationalist Social Club-131 (NSC-131), stood outside the Teatotaller Café and Bakery and chanted homophobic slurs, banged on the windows and performed Nazi salutes. The café has since been renamed Totally Tea + Coffee.
During the demonstration, several participants wore masks and carried different banners, including one that read, “Defend white communities,” and another that featured a crossed-out rainbow, a symbol of LGBTQ pride.
Christopher Hood, the group’s founder, and 19 unidentified John Does were charged by the attorney general’s office with engaging in unlawful discrimination. On Thursday, the office announced a resolution in its litigation and asked a judge to approve a proposed settlement agreement.
“This case is about one simple principle: The law applies equally to everyone, and every person is entitled to equal protection under the law,” Attorney General John M. Formella said in a statement. “No individual or organization has the right to threaten, intimidate or coerce a New Hampshire business into violating the law or denying lawful access based on protected characteristics.”
Under the terms of the settlement, Hood and all defendants are prohibited from knowingly approaching within 250 feet of any Teatotaller Café location or contacting any owner or employee of the business. They are also permanently ordered to cease unlawful discriminatory practices, as well as any future hate- or bias-motivated conduct.
Hood is additionally required to complete 250 hours of community service and pay a $10,000 civil penalty.
