- source: Mr Showbiz
The stars are planning to come out to pay tribute to Matthew Shepard, the
21-year-old University of Wyoming student who was beaten to death last week, allegedly
because he was gay. The Washington Post reports that Helen Hunt and 3rd Rock From the
Sun's Kristin Johnson will join super-couple Ellen DeGeneres and Anne Heche at a vigil at
the U.S. Capitol tonight to honor the young man's life and politicize his death. Elton
John is said to be contemplating attending the gathering, which was organized by gay
rights groups. According to Ellen's mother, Betty, they "want as many people as can
possibly get there to take part—gay people, straight people, everyone with love and
acceptance of their fellow man in their hearts." Shepard, found beaten and tied to a
fence post outside Laramie, Wyo., died Monday after lingering in a coma for five days. His
death made headlines across the country, and President Clinton is pushing Congress to pass
a bill that will make it easier to prosecute hate crimes at the federal level.
   
 
Matthew's friends Walter and Alex speak
with
Ellen Degeneres and Anne Heche.
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