Prop 8 Overturned: Ellen & Portia, Kim Kardashian, Adam Lambert, More Celebrate

“This just in: Equality Won,” Ellen tweets in response to federal judge overturning gay-marriage ban

It's a happy day in Hollywood.

"This just in: Equality won!" Ellen DeGeneres tweeted Wednesday upon hearing that a federal judge had overturned the gay-marriage-illegalizing Proposition 8, ruling that it violated constitutional rights to both equal protection and due process.

Added her wife, Portia de Rossi: "I am ecstatic that proposition 8 has been overturned in the state of California. This is an incredibly exciting and historical day and a big step towards equal rights for all."

And the happy couple, who tied the knot during the brief window that gay marriage was legal in 2008, aren't the only big names—both gay and straight—who are celebrating the court's ruling, written by U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker.

The ruling "affirms the full legal protections and safeguards I believe everyone deserves," California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told the Los Angeles Times.

"[Walker] heard in-depth arguments from both sides on fundamental questions of due process, equal protection and freedom from discrimination. There are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and I am glad that all viewpoints were respected throughout the proceedings. We should also recognize that there will continue to be different points of view in the wake of this decision."

But not if you just listen to the revelry sounding from Hollywood, New York and other hotbeds of artistic activity.

"This is the best news I've heard in a long time!" Kim Kardashian tells E! News. "It's about time. I am thrilled that California finally took a step in the right direction!"

"Gay and lesbian couples have long struggled for acceptance and the ability to marry the person they love and want to build a family with," longtime gay rights activist Cyndi Lauper, whose True Colors Fund spreads awareness and education about the LGBT community, said in a statement.

"Today's landmark ruling declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional is a testament to the fundamentals on which this great country was built and validates that the discrimination gay couples face must come to an end...This decision is a major step in the right direction towards equality."

In a matter of minutes following the historic decision, celebs of all stripes couldn't wait to share the love on Twitter:

• Paris Hilton: "What a huge historical day for equal rights in this country! They finally overturned Prop 8! There shouldn't be a law on true love. :)"
• Christina Applegate: "I am crying with absolute joy! Thank you thank you thank you for letting equality win. All men are created equal! Period!!!"
• Kal Penn: "Prop 8 ruled unconstitutional! Finally,pedophiles can marry their dogs. Just kidding. Props to CA for standing up for family values for all!"
• Kelly Osbourne: "So happy over the news on prop8 its about time!"
• Ricky Martin: "YEAHHHHH!!!!! #PROP8UNCONSTITUTIONAL MOVING FORWARD!!!!!!!! RT please."
• Damon Lindelof: "Wow. The justice system kinda DOES work."
• Elizabeth Banks: "Go Judge Walker. I can't wait to go to some seriously awesome weddings."
• Samantha Ronson: "Song Of The Day: Let's Get Married- Jagged Edge."
• Olivia Munn: "Prop 8 Overturned!!! Equal rights for everyone! Nice to be out of the 1950s..."
• Seth Myers: "Prop 8 was always my least favorite Prop. Favorite Prop: Joe."
• Eli Roth: "Amazing news about Prop8 being overturned. Now The Sun can make up engagement stories about everyone!"
• Kristin Chenoweth: "Prop 8 overturned in California! Praise God!"
• Nicky Hilton: "Thank God California overturned the ban on gay marriage. Making progress!"
• Zachary Quinto: "Dear california: you. better. work."

The decision will likely be appealed and could go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I am, of course, thrilled and heartened by Judge Walker's ruling," Kathy Griffin said in a statement that addressed the political reality of the situation.

"As we all know, the antigay movement is certain to appeal this landmark case...So, while today's decision is a key victory in the fight for marriage equality, we still have a long way to go before my mother Maggie can break out her box of wine in celebration. I urge my friends and fans to stay strong, be vocal and take strength in the knowledge that we will be on the right side of history."

But until then, as Adam Lambert said, it's time to "throw glitter on this barn!"

(Originally published Aug. 4, 2010, at 3:32 p.m. PT)