For Devonport couple Sandra Yates and Lee Bransden, the debate about if, when and how same-sex marriage should happen seems like white noise.
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They don't have time to wait for same-sex marriage to be legalised in Australia.
Lee battles lung disease, heart disease and arthritis among other illnesses, and has been given just weeks to live.
"It's her dying wish. She is dying to be married," Sandra says.
When asked what they make of the political to-ing and fro-ing - and the frequent argument from MPs that other issues, like the economy, are more important than same-sex marriage - Sandra laughs.
"If this isn't a pressing issue, I don't know what is."
The women first met about 30 years ago, when Sandra volunteered to pick apples in an orchard Lee managed. But Sandra was married with children at the time, so they were just close friends for many years.
"I'm her soulmate, the one person she's wanted to be with," Sandra says. "I'm really connected to her and committed to her."
In healthier times, Lee and Sandra, who are both nurses, have camped and travelled together around Tasmania. They've shared a love of music, art, animals, cooking and politics.
After a bankrupt builder ate up their life savings, the two pensioners have little of their own money. So Australian Marriage Equality has launched an online GoFundMe campaign to raise $6500 so Sandra and Lee can get married in New Zealand.
"We want to do it legally," Sandra says. "People have a right to be married."
