TUSCOLA COUNTY, Mich. -- Three Tuscola County men will stand trial on charges of ethnic intimidation and assault and battery in connection with the beating of a black man.

The trio allegedly shouted ethnic slurs as they ordered him to leave a wedding reception in September of 2008.

Protestors marched in front of the Tuscola County courthouse Monday, calling for justice as three men faced a judge.

The protestors, friends of the beating victim, said they never want to see a case like this ever again.

“He was beaten up,” said protestor Susan Griffiths. “He was invited to the wedding reception by the bride!”

The suspects, Bryon Pohlod, his father Daniel Pohlod and Todd Bundschuh all declined comment as they left the courtroom.

Their attorney, Amy Gierhart, did address the case by stating “because of the sensitivity of the case, I will reserve any statements for the courtroom.”

The victim declined comment on the advice of his ACLU attorney. “We are happy to see that this case is going to be handled in a manner that is fitting and proper for the charges,” said ACLU attorney Mark Fancher.

All three men were bound over to circuit court to stand trial on Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.

The assault and battery charges are misdemeanors in Michigan. The charge of ethnic intimidation is a felony.

If convicted of the felony, the men could see a maximum of 2 years in prison.