Honoring Seaman Provost

July 6, 2009 Posted by GorgeousBoys in Crime & Punishment

August Provost, a sailor from Houston, was found shot in a guard booth on the base early Tuesday, June 30th. The murderer also tried to set the booth on fire in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. Military officials are holding a suspect in the brig at Miramar while they investigate. A candlelight vigil is being planned to honor August Provost, the gay sailor who was murdered at Camp Pendleton last week. The vigil will take place in front of Camp Pendleton this Friday, July 10 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The tragedy of Provost's death has gained wide attention from the gay community. Provost was gay and was out to many of his fellow servicemembers. He had also complained to his sister, Akalia, that he had been recently harassed in regards to his sexuality. Provost's family encouraged him to report the harassment to superiors, but that was probably not an option. Under the military's discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, Provost could have been discharged if he acknowledged his sexuality to his superiors. seaman

Despite this, military officials have stated that there is nothing in the case to suggest the murder was a hate crime. They have also said that terrorism and gang violence were not motives. No reason for the murder has been released yet, leaving many people to wonder what really happened the night Provost was murdered. Nicole Murray-Ramirez, chairman of San Diego's Human Rights Commission, is asking for an inquiry into whether Provost was killed because of his sexual orientation.

"We respect the military, but we want to ensure that there is full disclosure, to see if this was a hate crime," Murray-Ramirez said. "A member of our community has been killed."

Friday's candlelight vigil is being organized by DOD Fed Globe, a group that supports the rights of the LGBT Armed Forces and Civil Service, those who wish to serve, and friends and family of servicemembers. For more info: Sailor questioned in seaman's death Info on the candlelight vigil

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