Matthew Shepard Is Interred at the National Cathedral Since Matthew Shepard’s murder 20 years ago in Laramie, WY, his memory has become a symbol for the gay rights movement. On Friday, his ashes were placed in a crypt at the Washington National Cathedral. The public service was led by the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde and the Right Rev. Gene Robinson. Robinson is the first openly gay man elected to be bishop in the Episcopal Church. Shepard’s death led to the Shepard/Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Passed in 2009,
