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Hillary Clinton endorses gay marriage 'personally and as a matter of policy' Hillary Clinton endorses gay marriage 'personally and as a matter of policy'
(12 days later)
The former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton declared her support for same-sex marriage on Monday, bringing her into line with other potential Democratic  candidates for the 2016 presidential nomination.The former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton declared her support for same-sex marriage on Monday, bringing her into line with other potential Democratic  candidates for the 2016 presidential nomination.
In a video posted on the website of gay rights group the Human Rights Council Clinton said: "LGBT Americans are our colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, our friends, our loved ones, and they are full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship. That includes marriage. In a video posted on the website of gay rights group the Human Rights Council Clinton said: "LGBT Americans are our colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, our friends, our loved ones, and 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.""That's why I support marriage for lesbian and gay couples. I support it personally and as a matter of policy and law."
In her bid for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination against Barack Obama, she, like him, expressed support only for civil unions but not same-sex marriage. Last year, Obama announced he was backing same-sex marriages.In her bid for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination against Barack Obama, she, like him, expressed support only for civil unions but not same-sex marriage. Last year, Obama announced he was backing same-sex marriages.
Her video will add to speculation that Clinton plans to stand again for the White House. Other potential candidates include vice-president Joe Biden, Maryland governor Martin O'Malley and New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who all favour same-sex marriages. Polls at present suggest Clinton, who stood down as secretary of state earlier this year and has not yet said whether she is planning another White House bid, would be the frontrunner.Her video will add to speculation that Clinton plans to stand again for the White House. Other potential candidates include vice-president Joe Biden, Maryland governor Martin O'Malley and New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who all favour same-sex marriages. Polls at present suggest Clinton, who stood down as secretary of state earlier this year and has not yet said whether she is planning another White House bid, would be the frontrunner.
Clinton's comments come ahead of a supreme court hearing next week on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (Doma) signed into law by Bill Clinton in 1996. The law defines marriage as between a man and and woman, and prevent married gay couples from receiving a range of federal benefits.Clinton's comments come ahead of a supreme court hearing next week on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (Doma) signed into law by Bill Clinton in 1996. The law defines marriage as between a man and and woman, and prevent married gay couples from receiving a range of federal benefits.
Polls show public opinion in the US has shifted to a majority in favour of same-sex marriage. Nine out of the 50 states have passed laws making it legal.Polls show public opinion in the US has shifted to a majority in favour of same-sex marriage. Nine out of the 50 states have passed laws making it legal.
Clinton said that her views had been influenced by her family.  "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.  Clinton said that her views had been influenced by her family.  "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.  
She described marriage as "a fundamental building block of our society", adding it is "great joy and, yes, a great responsibility".She described marriage as "a fundamental building block of our society", adding it is "great joy and, yes, a great responsibility".
Clinton hinted at her support for same-sex marriage last year when she expressed approval for the New York state legislature's move to back it. Bill Clinton earlier this month announced he now regarded Doma to be unconstitutional and called for it to be repealed.Clinton hinted at her support for same-sex marriage last year when she expressed approval for the New York state legislature's move to back it. Bill Clinton earlier this month announced he now regarded Doma to be unconstitutional and called for it to be repealed.
Attitudes towards gay people and other social issues was one of the main dividing lines between Democrats and Republicans in last year's White House election.Attitudes towards gay people and other social issues was one of the main dividing lines between Democrats and Republicans in last year's White House election.
While official Democratic party policy since last year is to support same-sex marriages, the Republicans remain opposed. But there are some signs of movement in Republican ranks: the Ohio senator, Rob Portman, last week became the first sitting GOP senator to support same-sex marriage, saying his change of mind had come about after his son revealed that he was gay.While official Democratic party policy since last year is to support same-sex marriages, the Republicans remain opposed. But there are some signs of movement in Republican ranks: the Ohio senator, Rob Portman, last week became the first sitting GOP senator to support same-sex marriage, saying his change of mind had come about after his son revealed that he was gay.
But other Republicans remain vehemently opposed, citing either religious reasons or support for the right of states to decide. But other Republicans remain vehemently opposed, citing either religious reasons or support for the right of states to decide. 
Republican senator Marco Rubio, one of the party favourites for the 2016 White House campaign, told the Conservative Political Action Conference held near Washington at the weekend: "Just because I believe that states should have the right to define marriage in a traditional way does not make me a bigot."Republican senator Marco Rubio, one of the party favourites for the 2016 White House campaign, told the Conservative Political Action Conference held near Washington at the weekend: "Just because I believe that states should have the right to define marriage in a traditional way does not make me a bigot."
Republican House speaker John Boehner on Sunday said that he was opposed to same-sex marriages for religious reasons – he is a Catholic – and did not envisage ever changing his mind.Republican House speaker John Boehner on Sunday said that he was opposed to same-sex marriages for religious reasons – he is a Catholic – and did not envisage ever changing his mind.
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