Hillary Clinton: I support marriage equality 'personally and as a matter of policy and law'

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced her support for marriage equality in a video released by the Human Rights Campaign on Monday.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans (LGBT), Clinton said, "are our colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, our friends, our loved ones," Clinton said in her statement. "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 embedded in a broader effort to advance equality for LGBT Americans and all Americans."

Politico reported in 2011 that Clinton backed a New York state law allowing LGBT couples to marry, three years after opposing marriage equality during her 2008 presidential campaign. Clinton also said, "gay rights are human rights" in a December 2011 speech at the United Nations. Clinton referenced that speech -- and how it was received -- in the video.

"There were some countries that did not want to hear that," she said. "But I believe America is at its best when we champion the freedom and dignity of every human being. That's who we are. It's in our DNA."

Watch Clinton's statement, posted Monday by the Human Rights Campaign, below.