In a historic ruling that provided a huge morale boost to the gay-rights movement, U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman today struck down Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage, making it the 18th state in the nation to allow gays and lesbians to join in matrimony, just like their heterosexual counterparts.

Excited and thrilled for the people of my state right now! Go Michigan! Hoping the Michigan GOP doesn’t fight this too hard.

The bill protects 32,500 acres of Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, ending an unprecedented five-year drought of new wilderness areas designated by the U.S. Congress.

Look Congress did something good! And it’s for my home state! Click the link for pretty pictures.