Kaine's Comparison of 'God-Given Rights' to Theocracy Draws Sharp Rebuke at Senate Hearing

Washington D.C. – Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) ignited a significant debate during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing for Riley Barnes, nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. Kaine expressed strong disagreement with Barnes' opening statement regarding the origin of human rights, drawing a controversial comparison to theocratic regimes like Iran. The hearing, held on September 3, 2025, centered on fundamental philosophical differences concerning the source of individual rights and the role of government.

During his testimony, Riley Barnes quoted a statement, asserting, "We are a nation founded on a powerful principle, and that powerful principle is that all men are created equal, because our rights come from God our Creator – not from our laws, not from our governments." This assertion, emphasizing a divine origin for rights, immediately prompted Senator Kaine's vocal opposition.

Senator Kaine elaborated on his concerns, stating that the notion of rights not originating from laws and governments was "extremely troubling." He concluded his remarks by directly linking this sentiment to theocratic governance: > "To demean laws, and to demean governments, and to suggest that rights don’t come from laws and governments—again, I think there are such things as natural rights and I try to live in accordance with them. I would never try to demean the law. We are a nation of laws, not men. Laws, not people. If we now—suddenly, after 250 years—start to demean that or diminish that and suggest, ‘no, it’s natural rights,’ as defined by a leader—the leader of Iran or the leader of any nation—that does not create a place of safety or comfort for folks."

This comparison quickly drew criticism. The concept of "unalienable rights" endowed by a Creator, independent of government, is a cornerstone of the United States' founding philosophy, famously articulated in the Declaration of Independence. Barnes' nomination to a role focused on promoting democracy and human rights globally underscores the significance of this philosophical underpinning in U.S. foreign policy.

Following Kaine's statement, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) reportedly reacted with strong disapproval, highlighting the perceived contradiction with foundational American principles. The debate reflects a deeper ideological divide on the nature of rights and the extent of governmental authority, a discussion particularly pertinent for an Assistant Secretary of State tasked with advocating for democracy and human rights worldwide. The exchange has brought renewed attention to the philosophical underpinnings of U.S. diplomatic efforts.