U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker handed down his ruling yesterday (August 4th) overturning California’s Proposition 8 ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage. Judge Walker ruled Prop 8 is “unconstitutional under both the due process and equal protection clauses.”

Judge Walker further concluded:

“Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed the evidence shows proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.”

Supporters of the ban have already let their intentions to appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals be known.

For now, the LGBT community can rejoice in this legal victory and hope Judge Walker’s rationale continues on in trials to come. Celebrities and politicians are sharing in the celebratory spirit of Judge Walkers ruling.

Check it out below:

Ellen DeGeneres via Twitter: “This just in: Equality won!”

Solange Knowles via Twitter: “Prop 8 overturned!! Love rules over all things!!!!”

Kim Kardashian via Twitter: “Prop 8 was struck down! This news is amazing!!!! Its about time! Congrats to everyone!”

Claudia Jordan via Twitter: “Same sex marriage BAN Over turned! Judge ruled that the Ban is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. 1st step towards equality for all people. #Progress”

Lady Gaga via Twitter: “At the moments notice of PROP 8 DEATH I instantly began to write music. BUBBLE DREAMS FOREVER! FULL EQUALITY! THIS IS JUST THE BEGININNG! REJOICE and CELEBRATE gay communities and straight all over the world. Our voices are being heard! Loud! SCREAM LOUD AMERICANOS!”

Ricky Martin via Twitter: “YEAHHHHH!!!!! #PROP8UNCONSTITUTIONAL MOVING FORWARD!!!!!!!!”

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger via press release: “This decision affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves.”

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa via Twitter: “Californians knows that marriage is a civil right, not a privilege. Love does not discriminate. Just left the WeHo rally celebrating today’s historic victory for civil rights. Today, the sunshine state is shining a little brighter. Prop 8 Wasn’t Just Unconstitutional, it was Un-Californian.”