They have been together for three years. They love each other and talk about starting a family.
But because they are both men, they can’t be married and have their relationship recognised by the full extent of Australian law.
Todd Hammond, 22, and his partner Alex Utaifeau, 27, live together in St Clair with Mr Hammond’s family while they are saving to buy their own home.
“We want to get married when we are ready,” Mr Hammond said.
“We aren’t planning our lives around it.
“We want to save for a house and be financially secure first, but we want to.”
The couple say they want to stand in front of their family and friends to exchange wedding vows and receive the rights of a married couple.
They believe the alternative civil union contract is akin to conceding their love is somehow less than that between a man and woman.
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Photo: Todd and Alex from the St Mary’s Star