ST ANDREWS, Scotland — Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered an impassioned speech supporting human rights and equality for LGBT people as she received an honorary degree Tuesday from St. Andrew’s University in Scotland.

Clinton, 65, highlighted the need to defend the universality of human rights — which she stressed includes equality for LGBT people — at a ceremony to mark the 600th anniversary of the founding of St Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university.

”We need more voices speaking up for universal human rights,” Clinton said.

“We have honored some of the great advocates here today who have spoken out courageously for women’s rights, gay rights and religious understanding, showing us that our communities and institutions are strongest when equality and opportunity are open to all people and freedom of conscience is respected,” she said.

“And it is important that as we chart our way forward in this new century, we bring with it the enlightened view that every individual around the world regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity or orientation, should be able to contribute to their societies and to have the chance to live up to his or her God given potential,” said Clinton.

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Clinton, widely viewed as a likely Democratic presidential candidate in 2016, received a doctor of laws degree, conferred by the institute for her work as both politician and diplomat in championing the causes of education, human rights, democracy, civil society and promoting opportunities for women around the world.

It was Clinton’s first foreign visit since she leaving the Obama administration in February.