George Takei: 'Gay marriage bill a victory'

Star Trek actor George Takei has described the passing of the Marriage Equality Act in New York as a major victory for human rights.

The act allows gay and lesbian couples to marry from this month. The bill was signed into law in the New York by its governor Andrew Cuomo. It’s hoped the passing of the bill in New York will lead to other states following suit and passing such laws – however, some states have already stated they will not follow New York’s lead. Other states are even debating passing amendments defining marriage as being between one man and one woman – banning gay marriages.

However, it is undeniable that the passing of the bill in New York is a victory for gay campaigners. Openly gay actor George Takei has spoken about the importance of the bill’s passing.

“Brad and I were in Tulsa, Oklahoma doing a Star Trek convention and when we got the word of the breaking news in New York marriage equality is legal, we just let out a great big shout that I’m sure could have been heard in New York….We know that the good waves coming from New York [are] going to make a profound influence on our situation here in California… I am confidant that Proposition 8 will be gone before the end of the year and marriage equality will be back in California.” – George Takei speaking to HLN.

George Takei married his partner Brad Altman in California during the brief period gay marriage was allowed there before it was banned with the passing of Proposition 8 in 2008. The wedding was attended by several of his Star Trek co-stars such as Walter Koenig and Nichelle Nichols.