Trump will resolve transgender bathroom issues and birth control mandate, says Mike Pence

Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence made a promise that his running mate, Donald Trump, would defend religious liberty and resolve transgender bathroom policies as well as the contraceptive mandate in Obamacare.

Pence made the promise during an interview on Doctor James Dobson's radio show "Family Talk" which aired on Oct. 5.

"The Trump-Pence administration will be dedicated to preserving the liberties of our people, including the freedom of religion that's enshrined in our Bill of Rights," said Pence to Dobson, when asked about the issue of Obamacare's contraceptive mandate.

The mandate requires employers who provide health insurance to their employees to cover the costs of some forms of birth control in their insurance plans.

Although there are currently some exemptions for religious employers, Dobson stated that the Obama administration issued regulations that would remove the exemptions from ministries and Christian-owned businesses.

Dobson then brought up the issue of the Obama administration's "Dear colleague letter" that required public schools to permit transgenders to go to comfort rooms of their choice. He noted that the Obama administration also issued regulations that required employers to include gender transition services in their employees' health plans.

He then asked Pence whether Trump would withdraw the letter and issue a regulation that would eliminate the gender transition services mandate or at least provide exemptions for ministries and businesses with religious objections.

Pence remarked that the issue should be resolved at the state level with common sense and also the safety and privacy of children.

"Washington has no business intruding on the operation of our local schools," Pence added.

When asked about the issue of religious freedom, Pence emphasized that he and Trump would uphold the U.S. Constitution to protect religious liberties.

"We live in a diverse country, with people with different viewpoints and different lifestyles," Pence remarked. "I don't believe in discrimination or mistreatment of anyone. But neither do I think should anyone never fear persecution because of their deeply held religious beliefs," he continued.

Dobson mentioned that he also invited Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine to the program but his offer was declined.