On Sunday at the Democratic National Committee LGBT Gala, President Barack Obama criticised those who use religious freedom to discriminate – seemingly referencing Kentucky clerk, Kim Davis.

Earlier this month, Kentucky clerk Kim Davis made international headlines after she refused to marry same-sex couples despite the Supreme Court’s landmark marriage equality ruling in June. The woman, who spent six days in jail, said that she was acting under “God’s authority”.

Speaking at the event in New York city on Sunday, Obama criticised people who use their religious freed to discriminate.

“We affirm that we cherish our religious freedom and are profoundly respectful of religious traditions,” said Obama at the Gala.

“But, we also have to say clearly that our religious freedom doesn’t grant us the freedom to deny our fellow Americans their constitutional rights.”

He also alluded to other politicians, particularly those in the Republican party who are currently running for office.

“And that even as we are respectful and accommodating genuine concerns and interests of religious institutions, we need to reject politicians who are supporting new forms of discrimination as a way to scare up votes. That’s not how we move America forward,” he said.