Date: Fri, 9 Jul 1999 19:35:23 -0400 From: NGLTF Subject: [NGLTF PRESS] NGLTF calls for investigation into death of Army PFC ************************************************************ NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: David Elliot, Communications Director delliot@ngltf.org TEL 202/332-6483 x3303, PAGER 800/757-6476 1700 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ************************************************************* NGLTF CALLS FOR FULL INVESTIGATION INTO BRUTAL DEATH OF ARMY PFC July 9, 1999--Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, issued the following statement Friday evening in response to the brutal beating death of PFC Barry Winchell. Winchell, a 21-year-old Private First Class at Fort Campbell, died earlier this week at a hospital in nearby Nashville, Tenn after allegedly being assaulted with a baseball bat by at least one of his fellow servicemen. "We call on the military authorities to fully investigate and disclose the nature of this terrible tragedy. PFC Winchell pledged to protect and defend his country. Who was protecting and defending PFC Winchell? Although not all of the facts surrounding this death are known, it is important to point out that it occurred in a climate of hostility against gays and lesbians - a climate fostered by the military's own policies. `Don't Ask, Don't Tell' doesn't work - in fact, it has made things worse. "Winchell's death also occurred during an epidemic of hate violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. Last year, at least 33 lives were lost as a result of anti-GLBT violence. "We also call on all branches of the military to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all the men and women serving our country. The fear of discrimination, harassment, intimidation and even violence is all too real for many military personnel - whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered or whether they are perceived as such." The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has dispatched staff members to the Fort Campbell area to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Anyone with relevant information should call 202-669-6279 over the weekend and 202-328-3244 during working hours or email sldn@sldn.org. -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact at the top of this message. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to . You may also unsubscribe by visiting http://www.ngltf.org.