Overview

• Sen. Tim Kaine said the notion that rights come from the Creator rather than law is "extremely troubling," likening that premise to Iran’s theocratic regime.
• His comments responded to nominee Riley Barnes, who cited Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Declaration’s language about rights being endowed by a Creator.
• Sen. Ted Cruz rebuked Kaine during the hearing, invoking the Declaration of Independence and posting video of the exchange on social media.
• Bishop Robert Barron publicly condemned Kaine’s stance, warning that if government creates rights it can also take them away.
• Kaine added that he believes in natural rights but emphasized equal justice under law and differing religious definitions; his office did not provide comment as clips spread widely and conservative figures escalated criticism.