Bill Clinton Releases Statement In Support Of Legalizing Gay Marriage

Bill Clinton has joined the ranks of those publicly supporting the movement to legalize gay marriage. Clinton has released a statement via the Human Rights Campaign, an organization “working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality.” His statement, sent to the group last week and released this morning, describes marriage equality as another step in fulfilling America’s “permanent mission” to “form a ‘more perfect union.’”

Here is the statement in full:

“Our nation’s permanent mission is to form a ‘more perfect union’ – deepening the meaning of freedom, broadening the reach of opportunity, strengthening the bonds of community. That mission has inspired and empowered us to extend rights to people previously denied them. Every time we have done that, it has strengthened our nation. Now we should do it again, in New York, with marriage equality. For more than a century, our Statue of Liberty has welcomed all kinds of people from all over the world yearning to be free. In the 21st century, I believe New York’s welcome must include marriage equality.”

The former president wasn’t the only Clinton to come out in support of gay marriage this week. Chelsea Clinton appeared at a benefit for Friendfactor, a new charity that incorporates social media. New York Magazine has this quote from her:

“‘I certainly believe that those of us who are straight cannot expect our gay friends to do this on their own,’ she said. ‘And I certainly expect our straight friends to help us achieve that for all New Yorkers, for all Americans, and for all the children that at least Marc and I hope to have someday.'”

These statements specify New York as state Governor Andrew Cuomo announced just this week that he will be making a number of public appearances speaking in support of gay marriage legalization. Currently, a record 58% of New Yorkers share this belief.

(h/t HuffPo)