By ANDY GELLER, AP
June 18, 2008
"Star Trek" star George Takei is ready to "live long and prosper" with his partner of 21 years.
The 71-year-old actor, best known for his role as Sulu on the sci-fi television series, was the first to pay $70 for a marriage license in West Hollywood yesterday, the first full day of same-sex marriages in California.
Takei, who plans to marry 54-year-old Brad Altman on Sept. 14, told reporters afterward, "Today we are going to make history. It's going to be the only day like this in our lives, and it is the only day like this in the history of America."
"Congratulations to all of us, and may equality live long and prosper," added Takei, borrowing a trademark phrase from the show.
From San Diego to San Francisco, hundreds of gay and lesbian couples exchanged vows on the first full day after a California Supreme Court ruling that overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage went into effect.
Helen Zia and Lia Shigemura sang "The Chapel of Love" as they walked to the city attorney's office to get married.
The couple, wearing beige jackets and slacks, exchanged vows with Zia's mother by their side.
"This is the most meaningful day of my life. I've always wanted to get married," Shigemura said. "I just never thought it'd be possible."
