I worked for Lilly for 19 years, living in Indiana and across the globe in multiple international assignments, rounding out my career at Corporate headquarters as Information Technology (IT) Director for Mergers and Acquisitions. In this role, I led the IT and manufacturing process automation deal terms and transition plans for the sale of our biochemical manufacturing plant in Lafayette – a significant move in Lilly’s long term strategy to stay independent and protect Indiana jobs. (http://m.evonik.com/inm/evonik/?lang=en&jumpto=/en/company/locations/north-america/tippecanoe/pages/default.aspx).
As an openly gay man in the 1990’s, I was also involved in changing the conversation internally around domestic partnership benefits. Because I saw positive change on the horizon for gay, lesbian and transgendered employees, I stayed with Lilly and made a successful career and final home in Indiana.
I thank John Lechleiter, Sidney Taurel, Frank Deane and Maria Crowe for their leadership and visible commitment to both what is right and what is economically wise for the State and the Company in the long run.
I’m an example of the real talent in this State that we must attract, retain and promote by REJECTING HJR-3. Any other course would be a step backwards, undoing much of the progress we’ve made in both civil rights and in sustaining and expanding our local economy.
Thank you
C Todd Fuqua
Executive Director
Candlestick House and Engagement Center
http://www.candlestickhouse.org
The Magical Storybook of Professor Peacock 
STATE OF INDIANA Michael R. Pence
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Governor
State House, Second Floor
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Dear Mr. Fuqua:
Thank you for contacting me to express your views on marriage. It was a pleasure to hear from you.
For thousands of years, societies around the world have held that marriage, as the foundation of the family, is the union between a man and a woman. I share this view.
I also believe in personal freedom, though I don’t think that defending personal freedom requires us to redefine an institution upon which our society depends.
Recent Supreme Court decisions have respected the independence of states on this important issue. I am please that this decision will be made by the people and not the courts. Hoosiers are capable of having civil discussions about difficult issues and I trust they will engage in this debate with respect for the values and dignity of everyone.
I regret that we do not agree on this issue. It is my hope that we can find other issues on which we can find common ground.
Again, thank you for contacting me. It is an honor to serve as Governor and to have the benefit of your advice. If you would like more information on this or any other issue, please visit my website at http://www.in.gov/gov.
Sincerely,
Mike Pence
Governor
RESPONSE NOTICE:
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So our Governor does not believe a gay couple can be a family. No surprise but at least I have heard him state it unequivocally. No interpretation here (see below).
But we are free to be who we want – he supports “our personal freedom” to be ourselves. So he believes to be LGBT is a choice. Again, no interpretation here (see below).
So now let’s build out his logic: he believes our society “depends on” families and the institution of marriage. So, he believes our society has no inherent need for us as LGBT persons. It could survive without us. My interpretation, but he doesn’t go on to explain where our choices (sic) fit into his worldview or add value to said society.
Scary.
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