I’m sure you’ve heard the news. The California Supreme Court has just issued a ruling allowing same-sex marriage in the state. Join me in congratulating two couples who have announced their intention to tie the knot: Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi, and Star Trek’s George Takei and his long-time partner Brad. Live long and prosper! (^_^) \\//,

Our California dream is reality. Brad Altman and I can now marry. We are overjoyed! At long last, the barrier to full marriage rights for same-sex couples has been torn down. We are equal with all citizens of our state!

The California Supreme Court has ruled that all Californians have a fundamental right to marry the person he or she loves. Brad and I have shared our lives together for over 21 years. We’ve worked in partnership; he manages the business side of my career and I do the performing. We’ve traveled the world together from Europe to Asia to Australia. We’ve shared the good times as well as struggled through the bad. He helped me care for my ailing mother who lived with us for the last years of her life. He is my love and I can’t imagine life without him. Now, we can have the dignity, as well as all the responsibilities, of marriage. We embrace it all heartily.

And here’s Ellen’s live announcement on her talkshow, greeted with a standing ovation from the audience:

Cheers!