Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) offered President Barack Obama some advice on what to discuss with Pope Francis this week, saying the president should explain his reasoning behind the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate, especially as it relates to businesses with deep-seeded religious tenents.
Ahead of President Obama’s visit to the Vatican on Thursday to meet with the pope, Paul called on the president to explain the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate during an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends.”
“He ought to explain to the Pope why he is telling businesses in America they can’t remain true to their faith and stay in business,” the Tea Party darling said Tuesday morning.
Paul went on to reference the case Kathleen Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby, which was argued before the United States Supreme Court today. The case seeks to exempt businesses from providing their employees with the contraception coverage required under Obamacare on the basis that it violates their religious beliefs.
The Kentucky Republican argued President Obama is taking away a company’s right to choose what health coverage to provide workers with.
“And I think it’s important that he tell the leader of the Catholic church why he thinks that businesses owned by Catholics can’t make their own decisions with regard to healthcare,” the Kentucky Republican continued.
Under the Affordable Care Act, Hobby Lobby is required to provide its workers with contraception coverage or pay a hefty penalty — $475 million per year or $3,000 per employee depending on the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The company argues that Obamacare’s contraception mandate violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.
And Paul agrees.
“Most of us, whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, believe in freedom of speech. We also believe in free exercise of your religion,” he said. “But if they’re telling you that your tax dollars have to go to something you find morally reprehensible, I think that’s not free exercise of religion.”
The Tea Party darling took a shot at President Obama during the president’s visit with the pope, targeting the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs.
Taking to his Twitter, Paul offered an interpretation of the meeting, acting as if Obama confessed to Pope Francis.
. @BarackObama to @Pontifex: Forgive me father for I have spied. #NSA
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) March 27, 2014
Paul has been ardently spoken out against the NSA’s spying practices and even sued President Obama for infringing on Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights.
Watch the Kentucky senator discuss the Hobby Lobby case below.
This piece has been updated to include new information.
