Dr. Ben Carson, a likely 2016 presidential contender, tells Breitbart News that it is “absolutely vital” Americans stand up for Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s new religious freedom law.

Speaking about the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act—which has drawn fire from the left—Carson said the First Amendment is one of the basic pillars and a founding principle of the nation.

“It is absolutely vital that we do all we can to allow Americans to practice their religious ways, while simultaneously ensuring that no one’s beliefs infringe upon those of others. We should also serve as champions of freedom of religion throughout the world,” Carson tells Breitbart News.

He notes that individuals committing horrific acts of intolerance are persecuting people across the world because of religion.

“As Americans, we have an obligation to denounce these acts of persecution. For when we stand up to such intolerance, we are defending the root of our freedom, both at home and abroad,” he said.

Pence, also a potential 2016 GOP contender, recently signed Indiana’s law. The act creates a legal framework for anyone claiming a government regulation is infringing on his or her religious freedom. According to the Wall Street Journal, many business and association leaders have expressed concerns that the law would permit discrimination against gay people.

But, “this is not about discrimination,” Pence told The Washington Post. “We’ve been doing our level best to correct the gross mischaracterization of this law that has been spread all over the country.”