Lilly joins list of firms opposed to marriage amendment

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Eli Lilly and Co. weighed in against a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana in a letter sent to Speaker of the House B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend.

Lilly joined three other major Indiana employers that have voiced opposition to the amendment. Representatives of Cummins Inc. and WellPoint Inc. testified before a House committee last week, and Dow AgroSciences sent a letter in opposition. All four companies said the amendment could hamper their ability to attract employees.

“We are concerned that the proposed legislation sends an unwelcoming signal to current and future employees by making Indiana appear intolerant,” Lilly Vice President of Human Resource wrote to Bauer.

Murphy added that uncertainty about the current language of the proposed amendment has caused some Lilly employees to be concerned that Lilly’ domestic partner benefits to them might be at risk and could cause some to leave Indiana. Lilly, which employs 16,000 in Indiana, has offered such benefits since January 2004.

The proposed constitutional amendment, now being considered by the Indiana House, defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

The part causing uncertainty reads, “This Constitution or any other Indiana law may not be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.”

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