Hillary Clinton announces support for same-sex marriage

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Washington (CNN) – Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced for the first time Monday she supports marriage rights for same-sex couples, saying that "gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights."

"America is at its best when we champion the freedom and dignity of every human being," Clinton said in a video produced by the Human Rights Campaign.

The former first lady, U.S. senator, and 2008 presidential candidate had previously backed civil unions and partner benefits for same-sex couples, but had stopped short of a full endorsement for marriage. That was the position of most Democratic primary candidates that year, including President Barack Obama.

During her tenure as secretary of state, Clinton avoided taking political positions, as is customary for the role.

Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, wrote in an opinion article last week that he supported the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, the law he signed in 1996 that defines marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman. It also denies federal benefits to same-sex couples in the nine states where same-sex couples can now legally wed.

In the video released Monday, Hillary Clinton said her time traveling the world as America's top diplomat "inspired and challenged me to think anew about who we are, and the values we represent to the world."

Those values, she said, must include full equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans to marry.

"Full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship," she said. "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."

Clinton had previously hinted at her support for marriage rights, speaking favorably of New York's law permitting marriages between same-sex couples. It also brings her in line with major figures in the Democratic Party, including Obama, who came out in support of marriage rights last May.

Democrats also included a plank in their party platform at last summer's convention supporting same-sex marriage.

Clinton's public backing of same-sex marriage comes as the Supreme Court prepares to tackle the issue this spring. Last year the high court agreed to hear two constitutional challenges to state and federal laws dealing with the recognition of gay and lesbian couples to legally wed.

Oral arguments will be held on March 26 and 27, with a ruling by late June.

In her video, Clinton called marriage "a fundamental building block of our society," and with a knowing laugh, called marriage "a great joy and yes, a great responsibility."

"A few years ago, Bill and I celebrated as our own daughter married the love of her life, and I wish every parent that same joy," she said.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/18/hillary-clinton-announces-support-for-same-sex-marriage/?hpt=hp_t2

[Danno 1,228]

Not sure which Hillary to believe?

"Marriage has got historic, religious and moral content that goes back to the beginning of time,

and I think a marriage is as a marriage always has been, between a man and a woman." – Hillary Clinton

[Penny Lane 8,159]

This may shock and amaze you, but I'll share it anyway:

Sometimes, people are actually able to believe two different things at two different times in their lives. They grow up, experience things, realize things might not be the way they think they are, and evolve. That quote is over a decade old. Isn't it beautiful when people realize their original thoughts may be incorrect and learn to embrace things they used to be intolerant of?

I think so.

[decocker 7,198]

thankfully, people have the capacity to grow and change as experience requires.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

thankfully, people have the capacity to grow and change as experience requires.

Not all people. Obviously.

[Teddy B 17,252]

This may shock and amaze you, but I'll share it anyway:

Sometimes, people are actually able to believe two different things at two different times in their lives. They grow up, experience things, realize things might not be the way they think they are, and evolve. That quote is over a decade old. Isn't it beautiful when people realize their original thoughts may be incorrect and learn to embrace things they used to be intolerant of?

I think so.

And some continue through life as knuckle dragging cavemen. (See post above yours)

[decocker 7,198]

And some continue through life as knuckle dragging cavemen. (See post above yours)

by this point, dude must not have any knuckle left.

[Danno 1,228]

This may shock and amaze you, but I'll share it anyway:

Sometimes, people are actually able to believe two different things at two different times in their lives. They grow up, experience things, realize things might not be the way they think they are, and evolve. That quote is over a decade old. Isn't it beautiful when people realize their original thoughts may be incorrect and learn to embrace things they used to be intolerant of?

I think so.

POlitics has nothing to do with it?

These folks just all"evolved" the same week?

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman." – Barack Obama

[Penny Lane 8,159]

POlitics has nothing to do with it?

These folks just all"evolved" the same week?

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman." – Barack Obama

Same week? What are you talking about?

That quote you posted from Hillary was 13 years ago. 13.

In the years since then, she's hinted that she's supported it but hasn't come right out and said so. Until now.

Here's her entire 13 year history on the subject if you'd like:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/03/18/how-hillary-clinton-evolved-on-gay-marriage/

[decocker 7,198]

Same week? What are you talking about?

he must be talking about the republican who changed his tune after two years of keeping quiet about his son.

Edited March 18, 2013 by val erie

[Penny Lane 8,159]

he must be talking about the republican who changed his tuned after two years of keeping quiet about his son.

Odd that he posted an old quote from Obama then. But hey, Dannologic. No point in attempting to understand.

[decocker 7,198]

Odd that he posted an old quote from Obama then. But hey, Dannologic. No point in attempting to understand.

i'm going to go out on a limb and say that what danno and the other neanderthals on the right would like to argue that this wave of marriage equality support is merely political and not a genuine reflection of the general population's increasing support.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

When did Chelsea start wearing "comfortable" shoes? That would explain her divorce from a stud like Marc Lewinsky.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

i'm going to go out on a limb and say that what danno and the other neanderthals on the right would like to argue that this wave of marriage equality support is merely political and not a genuine reflection of the general population's increasing support.

Ah. Denial.

[Darnell 8,478]

Yay! Once she got to see the ladyboys in SE Asia, she changed her mind.

Way to Go Hillary ! Yer my new personal hero !