CARMEL, Ind. (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence is saying gay couples do not fit into his belief that two-parent households are needed to raise children out of poverty.

Pence told The Associated Press on Friday that detractors may want to cast his view as a social issues debate along ideological “fault lines,” but he wants to have an open discussion about promoting marriage. Indiana law defines marriage as between one man and one woman. State lawmakers are expected to vote next year on writing the same-sex marriage ban into the state constitution.The Republican congressman also touted plans to expand Indiana’s school voucher and expand vocational training. Pence, who has built a national profile among evangelical and social conservatives, also declined to rule out a future run for the White House.