AN AUSTRALIAN man may be separated from his American husband because of a controversial US law that discriminates against same-sex couples.

Anthony Makk and Bradford Wells met in Sydney 19 years ago, and have lived together ever since in Mr Wells's home country.

Committed ... Anthony Makk and Bradford Wells.

In a case making headlines in America, Mr Makk, an Australian, has done everything possible to stay with his partner, who has health complications from AIDS.

He gave up his career, started a business in San Francisco and invested in rental property in order to meet visa requirements. Seven years ago, the couple married in Massachusetts.