Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch tonight refused to condemn SNP leadership hopeful Kate Forbes for hew views on same-sex marriage.
The candidate to succeed Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon prompted outrage with her comments as she launched her campaign.
But UK minister Mrs Badenoch insisted on Ms Forbes' right to hold such views forged through her devout Christianity.
Speaking at a Politico event, Mrs Badenoch said she believed in "freedom of conscience".
She added: "We should be able to allow those people who do have religious views - I'm not one of them, I'm not particularly religious, I'm not religious at all - but I ... understand it what it means to people and how it can impact the way they live their lives."
Mrs Badeonch said she "admires" Ms Forbes for "not being dishonest", saying: "It would very easy for her to tell lies just so she could win that election, and she's not doing that."
Told some people might have expected the Equalities Minister to condemn Ms Forbes' views, Mrs Badenoch, who backs same-sex marriage, hit back: "I would not want people to condemn me for having personal views.
"Disagree with the views, debate the views - but if you're asking me to condemn someone for their religious views then you do not understand what the Minister for Equalities' role is.
"I am the guardian of the Equality Act; freedom of religion is one of the protected characteristics."
