FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - An Army soldier beat his barracks roommate to death because of his hatred for homosexuals, according to prosecutors who for the first time characterized the incident as a hate crime.

Gay-rights advocates long had contended Pfc. Barry L. Winchell, 21, died in July in part because some soldiers suspected he was homosexual. Prosecutors echoed the argument yesterday as a court-martial began for Pvt. Calvin Glover, charged with premeditated murder for bludgeoning Winchell with a baseball bat.

Prosecutors rested their case before the military jury yesterday. Defense witnesses were expected to testify today. A tearful Glover has admitted to the slaying in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence on a less serious charge.