James Allen News Center

Congratulations Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka!

Now that NY has legalized gay marriage, Neil Patrick Harris, star of CBS's How I Met Your Mother and partner David Burtka are officially engaged! The celebrity couple is already planning their big day and shopping around for wedding bands. Harris and Burtka have actually been engaged for five years, having exchanged engagement rings long ago. While waiting for the bill to pass, the lovers wasted no time--they are parents to surrogate fraternal twins Harper and Giddeon, born October 12, 2010.

Harris, who recently hosted the 65th  Tony Awards has always been open about his sexual preference. In 2006 he announced, "...I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love."

Even before the bill passed the Doogie Howser actor tweeted in favor of the Marriage Equality Act: "I'd sure love to get married. Please, NY Senate, vote in favor of marriage equality today. My family would really appreciate it."

Saturday, just hours after the bill passed, Harris wrote, "It PASSED! Marriage equality in NY!! Yes!! Progress!! Thank you everyone who worked so hard on this!! A historic night!"

He later added, "David and I did propose to each other, but over five years ago! We've been wearing engagement rings for ages, waiting for an available date."

Harris is just one of the many celebrities who rejoiced in the passing of the bill. And of course, what better place to rejoice than Twitter?! Here are what some other celebrities tweeted regarding the NY law which will take effect in 30 days:

"I'm thrilled about the news from NY. Marriage equality! Every day we get a little closer. What an amazing feeling." -Ellen DeGeneres

"Time to celebrate!!! Marriage Equality for NYers! It’s about... love!" 
 -Rickey Martin

"I can't stop crying. We did it kid...The revolution is ours to fight for love, justice+equality. Rejoice NY, and propose." -Lady Gaga

"Marriage equality...vote yes...OK...congrats, again, to Cynthia Nixon for all of her hard work on behalf of marriage equality." -Alec Baldwin

Great news for Neil Patrick Harris and all same-sex couples! It's about time!