Hillary Clinton for HRC's Americans for Marriage Equality

A little over a year ago in Geneva, I told the nations of the world that gay rights are

human rights and human rights are gay rights and that the United States would be a leader

in defending those rights. Now there were some countries that did not want to hear that.

But I believe America is at its best when we champion the freedom and dignity of every

privilege to represent that America.

I will never forget the young Tunisian who asked me after the revolution in his country

how America could teach his new democracy to protect the rights of its LGBT citizens.

He saw America as an example for the world, and as a beacon of hope.

That's what was in my mind as I engaged in some tough conversations with foreign leaders

who did not accept that human rights apply to everyone, gay and straight. When I directed

our diplomats around the world to combat repressive laws and reach out to the brave activists

fighting on the frontlines. And when I changed State Department policy to ensure that our

LGBT families are treated more fairly.

we are and the values we represent to the world. Now, having left public office, I want

to share some of what I've learned, and what I've come to believe.

For America to continue leading in the world, there is work we must do here at home. That

means investing in our people, our economy, our national security. It also means working

every day, as citizens, as communities, as a country, to live up to our highest ideals

LGBT Americans are our colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, our friends, our loved ones.

And they are full and equal citizens and they 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, embedded in a broader effort to advance equality and

Like so many others, my personal views have been shaped over time by people I have known

and loved. By my experience representing our nation on the world stage, my devotion to

Marriage after all is a fundamental building block of our society, a great joy and yes,