Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers her message supporting marriage equality.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on March 18 joined the Human Rights Campaign’s "Americans for Marriage Equality" campaign, a public engagement effort featuring prominent Americans who support committed gay and lesbian couples getting married.
In the video message, Clinton opened with a reference to her landmark United Nations speech on gay rights and conversations with world leaders on LGBT equality.
"For American to continue leading in the world, there is work we must do at home," Clinton said, work that includes living "up to our highest ideals" and continuing "our long march to a more perfect union."
She then focused on her support for LGBT equality and rights in the United States, including her support for marriage equality.
Gays and lesbians are "our collegues, teachers, soldiers, friends and loved ones," and, she continued, "they are full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship – that includes marriage. That's why i support marriage for lesbian and gay couples. I support it personally and as a matter of policy and law."
Chad Griffin, president of HRC, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights group, said, "Secretary Clinton is like millions of everyday Americans who have reflected on the issue of marriage equality and come to the conclusion that we must treat others as we would like to be treated. It is the golden rule that is moving our country inexorably toward marriage for gay and lesbian couples."
Clinton, as secretary of state, could not engage in domestic politics.
The "Americans for Marriage Equality" series has included political and civil rights leaders, professional athletes, film and music celebrities, and business leaders.
On the Web…
www.hrc.org/americansformarriageequality
