Star Trek's Takei To Pick Up Marriage License On Tuesday

Former STAR TREK regular GEORGE TAKEI will become one of the first gay people to receive a marriage license when the historic documents are handed out on Tuesday morning (17Jun08) across California.

The actor announced his plans to wed longtime partner Brad Altman the day after new legislation overturned a ban on same-sex marriages in the state last month (15May08).

And he'll be among hundreds of gays and lesbians who will mark the first day of the new ruling by accepting a marriage license.

Takei and Altman, who plan to wed on 14 September (08), will join other couples in West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles for the landmark license ceremony on Tuesday morning.

A spokesman for the Gay + Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation - the organisation behind Tuesday's festivities - says, "We are grateful that George and Brad are putting a public face on marriage, and are so willing to share their story during the coming days with millions."

Takei has been publicising the gay marriage ruling by making a series of TV appearances, which will continue throughout the week (beg16Jun08).