He also said he had always supported civil unions.
Congress is unlikely to entertain any legislation that supports such unions, although some states are grappling with the issue.
He called on older democracies to help younger ones by supporting a free press, political parties, unions and universities.
Union leaders say management simply underestimated how much New Yorkers still support unions.
Clinton stated she fully supported civil unions that would have the full equality and benefits of heterosexual marriage.
