Sharon Stone honored by National Center for Lesbian Rights

Sharon Stone has been recognized by the National Center for Lesbian Rights for her support of gay and lesbian civil rights. The actress, who has helped raise millions of dollars for AIDS research and has portrayed lesbian characters in movies including Basic Instinct, received the NCLR Spirit Award at the organization's 27th anniversary celebration Saturday night in San Francisco. "Sharon Stone has a very long history of leadership and involvement with volunteer groups," said Ruth Harris, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco-based center. "We're honoring her for a whole range of things over a many-year period." Stone's contributions include raising money for the American Foundation for AIDS Research, founding the homeless youth camp Planet Hope, and working with Project Angel Food, a Los Angeles County program that delivers food to homebound people with AIDS. San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, who sparked a national debate by issuing marriage licenses to gay couples, presented the 46-year-old actress with the award at Saturday's event. (AP)