STAR TREK’S GEORGE TAKEI FINDS PROP 8 PASSING “ASTOUNDING”

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STAR TREK’S GEORGE TAKEI FINDS PROP 8 PASSING “ASTOUNDING”

Tuesday's passing of Proposition 8 -- a Calif. initiative which overrules a previous state Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex unions -- highlights the struggles ahead for gay couples, says Star Trek's George Takei, wed Brad Altman on Sept. 14. Prop 8 passed by just over 52 percent, despite opposition from Hollywood power players like Brad Pitt, director Steven Spielberg, California's Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ellen DeGeneres, who wed Portia de Rossi in August.

"Last night, I was filled with pride to be an American. It was an exhilarating night of celebration. Barack Obama’s victory was a miraculous moment in our history," Takei tells Usmagazine.com exclusively.

"It was a night of joy, yet, President-elect Obama reminded us of the long road, the steep road, that lies ahead for us as a nation. And indeed, as a Californian, I was profoundly mindful of the challenges ahead. The discriminatory Proposition 8 on the California ballot was winning. Our fight for marriage equality was going down to defeat. It was astounding to think that the hard won equality that made my recent marriage to Brad Altman would no longer be possible for others,” Takei said.

"The evening became bitter-sweet. It is now Wednesday morning – the day after the election. The words from Barack Obama’s victory speech still resonates in my mind. What an amazing night it was – the culmination of a turbulent struggle against a disgraceful history of slavery, prejudice and racial conflict. The road ahead is long, the road will be steep,” he shared.

Takei continued, "Our struggles for equality for another minority, gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered, will be no different. There will be setbacks, disappointments and sacrifices to be made. Barack Obama spoke of the “renewed promise” of America. It happened last night with the presidency. And equality and justice will happen for us as well. We will make it happen. Yes we can."