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Protestors Call for Hate Crime Protection

Protestors Outside the New Hanover County Courthouse
Protestors Outside the New Hanover County Courthouse

By Laurin Penland

Wilmington, NC – The protest was sparked by the beating of two young, gay men in downtown Wilmington last month.

It's unclear whether the pair was targeted, but Lynn Casper, one of the protesters, says everything about the case suggests the two men were beaten solely because they were perceived to be gay.

"I've heard a lot of people talk in the queer community. They're a lot more scared now."

Three suspects have been charged with two assault misdemeanors. District Attorney Ben David says his office wants to up those charges to felonies, due to the extent of the victims' injuries.

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