Star Trek actor George Takei will be the latest celebrity to take advantage of California's gay marriage ruling when he weds his longtime partner later this year.

The 71-year-old star - known for his role as Sulu in the 1960s sci-fi series - has announced plans to walk down the aisle with partner Brad Altman this summer, after state authorities lifted the ban on same-sex marriage last Thursday. The couple has been together for over 20 years.

In a posting on his website, Takei writes: "Our California dream is reality. At long last, the barrier to full marriage rights for same-sex couples has been torn down." The actor first opened up about his sexuality to speak out against California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2005 veto on gay marriage.

Comedienne Ellen DeGeneres was the first star to announce that she and her actress-girlfriend of eight years, Portia de Rossi, are planning their nuptials, making the news public on her talk show on Friday.


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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)