“At a time when our nation most needs talented service members, August Provost was serving his country honorably and with dedication. There is a significant basis for concern that he was targeted and murdered based on his sexual orientation. The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy marks LGBT service members as inferior and sends a message that they are unable to serve this nation with honor and distinction. Seaman Provost’s death may have been preventable and the military has a profound responsibility to investigate and learn the true circumstances. The loss of Navy Seaman Provost is a deeply upsetting tragedy and we call upon the military to conduct a thorough investigation into this unthinkable act of violence and to do everything possible to protect the health and safety of our men and women serving our country from this senseless violence.”
— Kate Kendell, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights
