World Cup's Netherlands, Spain to 'Today Show': We're Team Gay. Why weren't you?

Last year was a bummer for gay rights with the defeat of Prop 8 in California. But what a difference 12 months makes. Now gay marriage rights are getting a big international boost from the 2010 World Cup soccer games.

The final fierce game between the Netherlands and Spain is already in progress Sunday (June 11). And ironically, both countries provide full marriage rights to their gay and lesbian citizens.  The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriages in 2001. Spain, a predominantly Catholic country, legalized gay unions in 2005. And the World Cup host country South Africa also provides marriage equality for its citizens.

So no matter which team you're rooting for, and no matter which team gets the World Cup crown, the winner will be a country that supports gay rights for everyone. Woot, woot!

And guess what? NBC's "Today Show" is also following suit.

NBC execs announced last week that the show is changing the rules and same sex couples can now apply for a wedding ceremony on the morning show.

NBC extended the deadline for applications  on "Modern Wedding Contest" until Monday (July 12). And thousands of gay couples have already sent in their apps for an on-air wedding.

"We're thrilled that 'Today Show's Modern Wedding Contest' now recognizes what most fair-minded Americans have already concluded - a wedding celebrates love and commitment, whether the spouses are straight or gay," said Jarrett Barrios, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Same-sex couples were previously excluded because New York state prohibits same sex wedding licenses. But GLAAD pointed out to NBC that a same-sex couple would be able to get a license from another state and still have a ceremony in New York.

"Moving forward, we ensure that our future wedding contests will be inclusive to all couples," NBC said.

It's really happening. Slowly, but it's happening. Are you as glaad (no pun intended) as we are?

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Photo credit: World Cup referees warm up for the final match. Getty Images