Sen. Marco Rubio is defending Indiana's controversial religious freedom law as it comes under fire from critics who believe it'll sanction anti-gay discrimination.
Speaking Monday on
Fox News, the Florida Republican —
expected to announce a presidential bid later this month — aligned his support with other social conservatives, arguing the new law simply defends a person's right to practice their religion.
"I think the fundamental question in some of these laws is should someone be discriminated against because of their religious views," Rubio said.
"So no one is saying here that it should be legal to deny someone service at a restaurant or a hotel because of their sexual orientation."
"Should someone who provides a professional service be punished by the law because they refuse to provide that professional service to a ceremony that they believe is in violation of their faith?" he added. "I think people have a right to live out their religious faith in their own lives."
Rubio's support brings him in line with other possible GOP presidential contenders, including Jeb Bush, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Rick Santorum, and Ben Carson.
According to the
National Journal, the new law,
signed last Thursday by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, also is proving divisive among business-oriented groups. Whereas the Indiana Chamber of Commerce opposes the measure, socially conservative religious organizations are strongly in favor.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.