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Former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida weighed in Monday on the debate that has engulfed Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana over a new religious freedom law in the state that critics are calling legalized discrimination.

Speaking to Hugh Hewitt, the conservative talk show host, Mr. Bush defended the law as similar to legislation in Florida and as a safeguard for religious belief.

“I think Governor Pence has done the right thing,” said Mr. Bush, who is expected to run for president in 2016. “I think once the facts are established, people aren’t going to see this as discriminatory at all.”

The Indiana law could make it easier for religious conservatives to refuse service to gay couples, prompting protests from businesses, athletes and gay rights activists since Mr. Pence signed it into last Thursday.

Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned the law, but Republicans have been treading carefully around the topic and pointing out that Democrats have supported such legislation in the past.

Mr. Bush told Mr. Hewitt that the Indiana law was about “simply allowing people of faith space to be able to express their beliefs.”

“There are many cases where people acting on their conscience have been castigated by the government,” Mr. Bush said. “This is really an important value for our country, in a diverse country,where you can be tolerant of people’s lifestyles but allow people of faith to exercise theirs.”

Hours after Mr. Bush’s remarks, Senator Ted Cruz, who has announced his candidacy for president, released a statement echoing that sentiment and commending Mr. Pence.

“Governor Pence is holding the line to protect religious liberty in the Hoosier State,” Mr. Cruz said. “Indiana is giving voice to millions of courageous conservatives across this country who are deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks upon our personal liberties.”