US celebrities praise same-sex marriage ruling

"Really encouraged to be an American today," singer Katy Perry wrote on Twitter, where she has the most-followed account.

"Love should live beyond labels & intolerance! #LoveWins #EqualityForAll," she added, using popular hashtags that were trending on Twitter.

Many high-profile entertainment industry figures have long been outspoken advocates of progressive causes, and gay marriage was no exception.

"Big moment for our country. Thank you, #SCOTUS," actor-director Ben Affleck wrote on Twitter, using the acronym for the Supreme Court of the United States.

Openly gay stars weighed in on the historic day. Ellen DeGeneres, who hosts a popular television talk show, tweeted: "Love won. #MarriageEquality."

British actor Ian McKellen, who came out publicly in the 1980s and is known for starring roles in "Lord of the Rings" and "X-Men," tweeted: "Congratulations, particularly to those who made the case for equality."

Latin sex-symbol/pop singer Ricky Martin, who came out as gay in 2010, wrote that the Supreme Court "just announced that love is equal across the nation!!! #MarriageEquality #LoveAlwaysWins #Loveislove."

In sports, an often macho realm where gay players have traditionally been reluctant to come out, a few big names chimed in with their support for gay marriage.

Former US soccer captain Landon Donovan wrote: "What an amazing day for our country. So happy for all the people who can now live their lives the way they want to. #proud."

Openly gay tennis legend Martina Navratilova wrote: "Last year on June 26th, my wife Julia's birthday, DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act that defined marriage as between a man and a woman) was overturned. This year Same Sex Marriage is a right for all of us - yeah!!!!"

She also had some harsh words for the Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who was one of four judges to oppose marriage for all.

"Scalia is even more disgraceful than I thought possible," she wrote.