What did enlightenment thinkers believe predated society and was superior to the laws of the church or state?

The answer is Natural Law.

The natural law is a philosophy that states the humans have certain rights and laws that are inherent from their nature. Because of this, many had believed that the church has more power than the government. 

facts: the 14th amendment

the 14th amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection of the laws.

the 14th amendment was intended to protect the rights of former slaves after the american civil war.

the 14th amendment was approved by congress in june of 1866 and ratified by the states on july 9, 1868.

the 14th amendment establishes that all persons born in the united states are citizens and are guaranteed all the rights of citizenship.

the 14th amendment establishes that the law protects all citizens equally.

in this case the passage of the 14th amendment   that was violated was the last part in which it states that there is equal protection of the law.