IOWA -- At the Iowa State Fair, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz was confronted about gay rights from an Oscar-nominated actress.
"Gay people used to be thrown in jail when it was illegal in this country," actress Ellen Page said.
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"We're seeing Bible-believing Christians being persecuted," Cruz responded.
The "Juno" actress was the one asking the questions. She believes the Republican candidate discriminates against gays.
The exchange went nearly five minutes.
Cruz, a senator from Texas who is said to be rising in the polls, said he didn't recognize the actress.
GOP candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at a "Rally for Religious Liberty" (left) and actress Ellen Page attends the TrevorLIVE Benefit at the Marriott Marquis (right). (AP Photo/Paul Sancya/Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP)