Senator Rand Paul Does Not Believe In 'Gay Rights'

Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

A rediscovered interview with Senator Rand Paul from 2013 has just resurfaced and is stirring the political pot. Paul, who is running for 2016 reelection to the US Senate (and is also a likely presidential candidate), spoke these words of wisdom:

"I don't think I've ever used the word gay rights, because I don't really believe in rights based on your behavior."

Though Paul's comment is absolutely arguable, it's also ambiguous. "It's unclear how far -- and to whom -- Paul extends the argument that rights cannot be defined by behavior," writes Buzzfeed.

Practicing religion is an American right, as well as free speech and a person's right to be free from discrimination for his or her nation of origin. What's Paul's stance on these?

Eleanor May, a spokesperson for Rand's campaign, addressed the video: "What he is saying in this video is that he does not classify rights based on behavior, but rather recognizes rights for all, as our Constitution defines it."

Last week, however, Paul called same-sex marriage a "moral crisis" and offensive. So whatever he means by "rights based on behaviors" -- or whatever May is explaining that he means -- we're pretty sure Paul isn't interested in the progress of LGBT human rights.