US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says recent legislation permitting gay marriage in New York state gives visibility and credibility to the struggle for gay rights around the world.

At a state department event marking gay pride Tuesday, Clinton described the struggle for gay equality as one of the most urgent and important human rights struggles of all times.

She says gay and transgendered people in many places continue to endure threats, harassment, and violence both publicly and privately. The secretary adds that many continue to flee their homes and seek asylum in other countries due to ongoing persecution.

Clinton says American diplomats around the world have been doing tremendous work to urge governments to respect all peoples' rights and dignity no matter their sexual orientation.

Clinton is a former senator representing New York where legislators voted to legalize gay marriage last week.