Out actor George Takei on Friday
cheered a ruling striking down Arizona's ban on gay marriage.
The 77-year-old Takei, who is best
known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek, married
husband Brad Altman in 2008 in California, where the couple lives.
“Brad and I consider Arizona our
second home, and we couldn't be more thrilled,” he
tweeted to his more than 1.4 million followers. “Welcome to
the right side of history.”
Gay and lesbian couples began marrying
in Arizona moments after Attorney General Tom Horne announced his
office would not appeal the ruling.
(Related: Arizona
Gov. Jan Brewer, AG Tom Horne agree: No appeal in gay marriage
ruling.)
The first couple to receive a marriage
license in Arizona have been together nearly 57 years. The
women met in college but did not discuss their relationship with
their families until 2008. The first couple to marry did so
during an impromptu ceremony outside a government office in Phoenix.
One
of the grooms raced from the gym to join his future husband.