Senator Kaine Critiques Claims of God-Given Rights in Hearing

Senator Timothy “Tim” Kaine of Virginia voiced strong opposition to the assertion that rights originate from “the Creator” during a recent Senate hearing. His comments came in response to Riley Barnes, President Trump’s nominee for assistant secretary at the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, who quoted Secretary of State Marco Rubio in emphasizing the principle that all individuals are created equal and that rights come from God, rather than from laws or governments.

During the hearing, Barnes stated, “We are a nation founded on a powerful principle… that all men are created equal.” He underscored the importance of recognizing inherent human dignity, a perspective he attributed to the Enlightenment ideals embodied in the Declaration of Independence. This sentiment resonated deeply with Barnes, who described America as a nation of individuals endowed with rights beyond governmental jurisdiction.

Kaine, however, found Barnes’ viewpoint troubling, drawing a parallel between this belief and the ideologies of oppressive regimes, specifically mentioning Iran. He remarked, “The notion that rights don’t come from laws and don’t come from the government but come from the Creator, that’s what the Iranian government believes.” This comparison raised questions regarding the interpretation of natural rights and their implications for governance.

Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers, argued against the idea that rights should be bestowed by a ruler, famously asserting in the Declaration of Independence that people possess “certain inalienable rights, endowed by their Creator.” Kaine’s critique reflects a significant shift in debate over the origins of rights, particularly as the U.S. approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration on July 4, 2026.

Kaine emphasized that while he supports the concept of natural rights, there is considerable divergence in how these rights are defined. He pointed out that the foundational rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” were agreed upon at the nation’s inception. This agreement led to the creation of the Bill of Rights, which was added to the Constitution to protect individual liberties and quell fears of a tyrannical government.

The debate over the source of rights has become increasingly relevant in contemporary discussions. Many Americans today view government as the primary authority for rights, rather than seeing them as inherent. This perspective suggests a growing disconnect from the founding principles that originally defined American governance.

After his remarks, Kaine departed from the hearing, missing the response from Texas Republican Ted Cruz, who labeled Kaine’s stance as “radical and dangerous.” Cruz reminded attendees that the Declaration of Independence explicitly states that rights are granted by God, not by government entities or political organizations. He warned that the erosion of these principles could lead to tyranny, echoing Jefferson’s caution about the natural progression of government encroaching upon liberty.

The dialogue surrounding the origins of rights reflects deeper philosophical and political divides within the United States. As the nation approaches a pivotal historical milestone, the debate will likely intensify, challenging public perceptions of governance and individual freedoms.