Clinton pitches herself as ally of gay rights
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton delivered a powerful defense of gay rights during a speech in Washington on Saturday morning.
In a conversation hosted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Clinton pitched herself as a longtime ally.
“I’ve been fighting alongside you and others for equal rights and I’m just getting warmed up,” she said. “That’s a promise, from one HRC to another.”
{mosads}The former secretary of State pledged to make protections for all citizens a central tenet of her presidency if she wins in 2016.
“I’m running for president to stand up for the fundamental rights of Americans,” she said.
Clinton called on Congress to pass a federal Equality Act.
“It’s a great noble piece of legislation,” she said. “As president, I will fight for it and I hope many of you will be with me when I sign it.”
The former first lady also called attention to international gay rights concerns.
“Hundreds of millions of people live in places where they would be arrested, even executed for being gay,” Clinton said.
“Gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights. I believe with all my heart the United States does have to stand up for human rights everywhere,” she added.
Clinton also gave a nod to the transgender community, calling for transgender soldiers to be allowed in the military and for those who were dishonorably discharged because of their sexual orientation to have their military status upgraded.
“There are transgender people in service right now, they’re just keeping their core identity under wraps because they are so committed to serving out nation,” she said.
The New York Times reported Friday that Clinton turned down the chance to deliver the keynote speech at HRC’s National Dinner on Saturday night. She will instead head to New York City to appear on “Saturday Night Live.”
Vice President Joe Biden will deliver the keynote speech at HRC’s dinner instead. Biden is considering entering the Democratic race for the White House. He is expected to announce a decision in October.
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