WASHINGTON-- Hillary Rodham Clinton says ensuring equal rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people would be a central goal of her administration should she become president.

 

The Democratic candidate told the Human Rights Campaign on Saturday that that she's running to "stand up" for their "fundamental rights."

 

Clinton promises to pass federal legislation ending discrimination, lower costs for HIV treatment, cut off funding for child welfare agencies that discriminate against gay parents and open up military service to transgender people.

 

She says she's "just getting warmed up" in her battle for equal rights.

 

 Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to give the keynote speech at the group's dinner.