Ayr's MSP has said she still supports Kate Forbes to be Scotland's next First Minister.
Siobhian Brown insists she is standing by her original choice in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon.
Ms Forbes has stoked a huge backlash with her anti-gay marriage and anti-abortion stance since launching her campaign on Monday.
A number of high profile backers have since defected, with Ms Sturgeon among those to distance herself from her current Finance Secretary.
But Ms Brown, who represents Ayr, Prestwick and Troon, is adamant that her support is unwavering.
In a statement released last night, she said: "Equality and tolerance stretches over a wide range of views and beliefs.
"I have been asked in the past 24 hours if I still support Kate Forbes in her bid to be First Minister in light of comments made in the press.
"Although I strongly disagree with some of her personal views and religious beliefs, I respect that she is entitled to them.
"I want an independent Scotland, where my children are can choose to life the life they want, without judgement.
"If the contest to become Leader or First Minister becomes a contest about an individual's religious or personal beliefs, we'll all lose.
"The Leadership contest has just begun and we have three candidates who are all strong and bring their own individual qualities to the race.
"It is up to the SNP membership to ultimately decide who leads our party and country forward to independence.
"I still support Kate Forbes."
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