A federal judge has struck down California’s voter-approved gay marriage ban, ruling it unconstitutional. On Wednesday, US District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker said that Proposition 8 “fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license” and “does nothing more than enshrine…the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples.” The ruling set off celebrations across California and around the United States. Dozens of gay rights advocates cheered the ruling outside the federal courthouse in San Francisco.

Matthew Comber: “This is a historic day. I mean, this is a great victory for us. Even though it may not be the final decision, it’s still — it’s the first time that this has been argued in the federal court, and it’s great to have that argument come out in our favor.”

Walker is the first federal judge to strike down a marriage ban on federal constitutional grounds. The case is almost certain to reach the US Supreme Court on appeal.