WASHINGTON — House Speaker John Boehner today accused the Obama administration of an “unambiguous attack on religious freedom,” promising that Congress will reverse a new policy requiring religious schools and hospitals to provide employees with free birth control if the president doesn’t.

Escalating a fight that has roiled the presidential race, Boehner demanded that President Barack Obama overturn the policy that Boehner called a violation of First Amendment rights. The administration’s mandate has angered religious groups, especially Catholics, who say the requirement would force them to violate their beliefs against contraception.

“This attack by the federal government on religious freedom in our country cannot stand, and will not stand,” Boehner, a Catholic and Ohio Republican, said in a rare floor speech.

The contentious issue has pushed social issues to the forefront in an election year that has been dominated by the economy. Abortion, contraception and Obama’s health care overhaul law have the potential to galvanize the Republicans’ conservative base.

The White House, facing a public and political outcry, signaled Tuesday that a compromise is possible. Options could include granting leeway for a church-affiliated employer not to cover birth control, provided it referred employees to an insurer who would provide the coverage.