William Taylor and Michael Bishop are in love and dream to marry.
The Queensland couple have been in a relationship for 12 years and have two sons, Harry, 3, and one-year-old Louie.
But because they are gay, they have not been able to marry in Australia – before now.
“When we found out that the ACT was about to pass marriage equality we were so excited that our dream to marry here in Australia could come true,” Will said.
The ACT Government made history today when it passed same-sex marriage legislation.
For Will and Michael, marriage is their way of showing the world, their friends and family, the love they have for each other and their children.
“Our boys are our world and the love we have for them is incredible,” Will said.
“Our children should have the ability to say their parents are married and we believe this creates a safe and secure environment for our children and is a symbol of how strong our relationship is.”
The couple live in Brisbane and are now planning to travel to Canberra and be one of the first same-sex couples to marry in Australia.
They had set a date for February next year, booking a venue and making travel plans so family members living in the United Kingdom could attend the ceremony.
But Will says the uncertainty surrounding the Federal Government’s expected High Court challenge to the ACT legislation has forced them to change their plans.
No matter what the [Federal] Government does, they will not stop Michael and I loving each other and they will not stop us looking after our children and loving our children.
“It makes me very angry,” he said.
“If you were to tell a bride you may be getting married in a month’s time, you might not; you can’t really organise anything because you’re not sure what’s happening; your friends and your family can’t come from the UK because you’re not sure whether or not on that date you’ll be able to get married.
“And then if you do get married, maybe in a week’s time or in a month’s time your marriage might not be legal.
“The discrimination just continues and continues and continues.”
The couple will now marry as soon as possible.
“No matter what the [Federal] Government does, they will not stop Michael and I loving each other and they will not stop us looking after our children and loving our children,” Will said.
“The juggernaut of gay marriage, of our rights, is coming and their time will run out sooner or later.”
Will hopes the laws will be upheld, and other jurisdictions will follow suit.
Until then, he believes discrimination against gay couples will continue.
“We’re just two normal people raising our children, there’s nothing any different to us from anybody else,” Will said.
“We’re cooking meals at the same times, we’re in routines, we both work, we both have jobs.
“The only difference between us is we’re two males, not a male and a female. And for that I believe we face discrimination, our children will face discrimination, which is not fair.
“Until the Government and the people that represent us truly, truly, truly accept us and give us the same rights as everybody else, this discrimination will continue.”
Author: Penny McLintock
Publication: ABC News
date: 23 Ocotober 2013