Rand Paul tries to explain GOP's 'religious persecution' fears to Jon Stewart

Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) interview with Jon Stewart started out amicably on Tuesday's Daily Show, with some jokes about filibusters and urination and broad agreement that Republicans are inconsistent when it comes to liberty and NSA mass surveillance. Paul ably dodged a comparison between terrorism and school shootings, pivoting to murder in Baltimore, and then Stewart brought up "this religious liberty" hullaballoo. "I'm really fascinated by the idea of religious persecution in this country," he said. "The depth of feeling seems real," but what are conservatives talking about?

"Some people are afraid in our country that their personal religious opinions will no longer be allowed, even in their church," Paul said, bringing up the idea that tax deductions for church donations are a back door to government regulation. "I think there's a difference between acceptance and neutrality of the law, and trying to force your opinion on someone, even in their church, or even in their expression."

When Stewart objected, Paul walked back to safer ground, bringing up a Christian T-shirt shop that refused to make liberal or pro-gay marriage shirts:

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Stewart had a good point about how these protesting businesses seem to be fine selling cake to other types of sinners. But in the end, Paul circled the square and got a befuddled Stewart to toast with him their agreement about the Patriot Act. You can try to follow along below. —Peter Weber