Seven months ago, Republican Rep. Sean Eberhart said he would be voting against a proposed same-sex marriage ban during the 2014 legislative session.
He did.
And on Wednesday, Eberhart, who represents House District 57, which consists of all of Shelby County, a large portion of Bartholomew County and a small portion of Hancock County, was on the right side of history when a federal judge struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage.
"It doesn't come as a surprise. The decision mirrors what has been happening all over the country. You can't discriminate against someone's right to marry. Marriage is a fundamental right that has to be given to all citizens," Eberhart said.
Eberhart was the only elected official that represents Shelby County to vote against House Joint Resolution 3, which defined marriage as strictly being between a man and a woman and refused to recognize any gay marriage or civil union.
"It was clear from the beginning that a ban would not pass a litmus test in federal courts. I have a hard time understanding why people continue to push on this. It's clear it is wrong to do that, and I hope this decision makes it crystal clear," Eberhart said.
Even if that means to people within his own party.
"Unfortunately many people think we shouldn't be on the right side of history and we should be on the other side, including those in my own party. That is unfortunate for the Republican Party, because we pride ourselves on being the party of limited government and personal freedom, and this flies in the face of that. It is unfortunate for the Republican Party we can't get past this issue," Eberhart said.
Eberhart anticipates the Supreme Court to issue a ruling, a belief he has maintained all along.
"I've thought all along the courts would decide this. Federal law trumps state law, and once the Supreme Court rules, we have to accept it. I am looking forward to the day when we can quit worrying about marriage and focus on issues like jobs and growing the economy," Eberhart said.
And, Eberhart vows he will do what he did in November - stand up and make a tough choice, regardless of the impact it has on him.
"In 2006 when I was elected, I decided I wasn't going to make decisions based on what was popular, but instead on what was right. We are there to protect the civil and basic rights of all Hoosiers. I was confident I did the right thing, and I will continue to do the right thing regardless of the political ramifications," Eberhart said.