Hillary Clinton endorses gay marriage

 Posted on March 23, 2013 in Family Law

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and potential 2016 presidential candidate has endorsed same-sex marriage, saying that “gay rights are human rights.” In a video posted Mon., Mar. 18 on the Internet by the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights advocacy group, Mrs. Clinton said, “I believe America is at its best when we champion the freedom and dignity of every human being. Her announcement has come right as the Supreme Court is hearing two landmark gay rights cases that advocates are hoping will legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Mrs. Clinton has not previously come out publicly in favor of same-sex marriage, but she always had taken steps to protect gay couples when she was secretary of state. This work, she said, “inspired me to think anew,” about the values that she held. “LGBT Americans are out colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, our friends, our loved ones, and they are full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizens. That includes marriage,” said Mrs. Clinton in her six-minute video, using the abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Mrs. Clinton also spoke about the recent wedding of her own daughter, Chelsea, in the video saying, “I wish every parent that same joy.” Mrs. Clinton and her family have longtime ties to the Human Rights Campaign. Chad Griffin, the group’s executive director, was born in Bill Clinton’s hometown of Hope, Ark. and began his political career volunteering for Mr. Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. Bill and Chelsea Clinton both expressed their support for same-sex marriage when it was under consideration in the New York State legislature as well. Just a week before Mrs. Clinton’s video was posted, Mr. Clinton expressed his explicit support for overturning the federal Defense of Marriage Act. This 1996 law, which Mr. Clinton signed, requires the federal government to view marriage as between a man and a woman for legal purposes. Until same-sex marriage is completely legalized, many lines are blurry about the issue. If you have any questions or concerns about your own same-sex marriage, contact Goostree Law Group attorneys now. These family law attorneys can assist you in DuPage County, Ill.