Bill Clinton Comes Out For Gay Marriage In New York

Add Bill and Chelsea Clinton to the ever-expanding list of politicians pushing for gay marriage.

In a statement released by the Human Rights Campaign, Bill Clinton said:

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.

At a launch party for a non-profit group, Chelsea Clinton said she hopes gay people in New York will be able to marry their best friend, just like she did when she and husband Mark Mezvinsky wed last summer.

"I certainly expect my straight friends to help us achieve that for all New Yorkers, for all Americans, and for the children that, at least, Marc and I hope to have someday," Clinton said.

The Clintons' support comes shortly after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he'll travel the state promoting a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage.

Polls show a record number of New Yorkers support marriage equality, and Gov. Cuomo has taken an increasingly active roll in ensuring legislation gets passed.