I write this in the wake of one of the most controversial and monumental decisions ever made in recent history. Earlier this afternoon the legislators of Massachusetts voted to keep same-sex marriage off of the ballot, thus ensuring all people in the commonwealth retain the right to marry.

As a Statehouse employee, I had the opportunity to watch this historical event unfold before my eyes. With the announcement that same-sex couples would continue to have their civil rights upheld, I felt a rush of emotions: euphoria, relief, amazement, and pride. As a staunch supporter of gay rights, this was the perfect day.

Legislative staff received a list of how each senator and representative voted, and there weren't any big surprises. However, when I came to the end of the very last column, I was shocked: my state representative, Richard Ross, voted not to put the amendment to a vote.

The emotions I felt when the Legislature chose to uphold gay marriage was nothing compared to how I felt upon discovering Ross had a "no" vote. I immediately started crying. I was so proud to say that my representative did the right thing.

Ross was expected by most to be a "yes" vote. As one of the few Republicans in an overwhelmingly Democratic legislature, and as an elected official in a mostly conservative district, it required tremendous courage and soul-searching to cross party lines and risk angering constituents. I know many constituents will be upset and angered by this decision. But no matter how much you disagree with Ross' vote, you cannot be upset he did what he thought was right, even in the face of intense opposition. You cannot be disappointed that your representative is a man of courage, integrity, and principles. You can disagree with his decision, but you cannot be upset that you voted for a man who was willing to listen and learn, and to change and grow.

As a progressive Democrat, I don't always see eye-to-eye with my Republican elected official. Today, however, I am proud to say that a Republican represents me. I am honored to be a constituent of a representative who is willing to hear all sides of the story, weigh the options, and cast a vote based on knowledge and justice. If that isn't democracy, then I don't know what is. So happy am I, that in the next state representative election for my district, I'll do something I thought I would never do - vote to keep a Republican in office.

CHRISTINA M. KNOWLES is a resident of Norfolk.