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WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday came out in support of gay marriage, making a very public shift of position that greases the wheels for a 2016 run for president.
The former secretary of state announced her new support of marriage rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans in a six-minute video posted on the Web site of the gay-rights group Human Rights Campaign.
“They are full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship. That includes marriage,” she says directly to the camera.
“That’s why I support marriage for lesbian and gay couples. I support it personally and as a matter of policy and law.”
Gay marriage has become a winning issue, especially for Democrats, and Clinton’s change of heart reinforced speculation she’s readying another presidential campaign.
“She’ll run,” Democratic political strategist Brad Bannon said. “No politician can get as close to the presidency as she did and not want to try again.”
Clinton’s repositioning puts her in line with several other Democrats eyeing a White House race.
Gov. Cuomo, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Vice President Joe Biden all champion gay nuptials.
“Gay rights are human rights,” Clinton says in the video, echoing speeches she gave as secretary of state, although she kept out of the gay-marriage debate during her tenure.
In the video, she tries to avoid alienating voters who disagree with her.
“I know that many in our country still struggle to reconcile the teachings of their religion, the pull of their conscience, the personal experiences they have in their families and communities,” she says.
“And people of good will and good faith will continue to view this issue differently. So I hope as we discuss and debate, whether it’s around a kitchen table or in the public square, we do so in a spirit of respect and understanding.”
Fifty-eight percent of Americans support legalizing same-sex marriage, compared with 36 percent who don’t, an ABC News/Washington Post poll released yesterday found.
Ten years ago, the poll showed 37 percent in favor and 55 percent against.
President Obama and Clinton both opposed gay marriage when they competed for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. Obama had “evolved” to support it by the time he ran for re-election last year.
Obama applauded Clinton’s new stance.
“The president believes that any time a public official of stature steps forward to embrace a commitment that he shares to equality, he thinks it’s a good thing,” said spokesman Jay Carney.