Texas is joining the growing list of states that have struck down homophobic marriage bans.

U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia declared that banning gay couples from having marriage rights is unconstitutional and stigmatizes LGBT people.

Seventeen states and D.C. recognize marriage equality but many states in the South have remained firmly opposed. Regardless, federal recognition for married couples, regardless of sexual orientation, is already becoming a reality after parts of the Defense of Marriage Act were struck down in 2013.

"Today's court decision is not made in defiance of the great people of Texas or the Texas Legislature, but in compliance with the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court precedent," U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia said.

"This was the first time I ever had a court in an official capacity say I'm equal to everyone else," said Mark Phariss, according the Los Angeles Times, after the ruling. "It's not just a great day for us; it's a great day for everyone in Texas."

Texas governor Rick Perry, who has been known for being blatantly homophobic, said that the court decision was "yet another attempt to achieve via the courts what couldn't be achieved at the ballot box. We will continue to fight for the rights of Texans to self-determine the laws of our state."

The ruling in Texas is a reflection of the progress LGBT people have made in the United States even in the last year alone. It also comes less than a week after Jason Collins became the first gay male athlete to play in one of the four major American professional sport leagues.

What do you think about the Texas ruling? Do you think it is long overdue? Is there more progress to make in Texas? Let us know what you think in the comments section located below.