Star Trek and Heroes alum George Takei applied for a marriage license today.  Takei and his longtime partner Brad Altman were first in line to sign the paperwork this morning, the first full day marriage licenses have been allowed for same-sex couples wishing to wed in California.  The happy couple have set the date for September 14 (the license is good for up to ninety days).  Walter Koenig will be the best man, and Nichelle Nichols will be the matron of honor.  The ceremony will be at the Japanese-American Museum in Los Angeles.

Outside afterwards, Takei spoke to a large crowd gathered in support of the joyful event: "Congratulations to all of us, and may equality live long and prosper.

"  The actor, who spent part of his childhood in a series of U.S. Japanese internment camps, added, "This means so much in terms of civil rights.  I remember growing up behind the barbed wire fences.  Now here I am today a popular actor making history. America really can change."

Takei's joy may be short-lived: anti-gay activists have placed a measure on California's ballot this November to revoke his right to marry, not to mention the right to marry for thousands of other hopeful couples.  We at Firefox News extend our best wishes to Mr. Takei and Mr. Altman, as well as their fellow-travellers whose goal is to make the world a sweeter, happier place, two people at a time.

(Additional Source: E!Online, USA Today)