Many LGBTQ+ couple and organizations on Long Island are applauding a bill that would protect same-sex unions after it cleared the House on Thursday.

David Kilmnick and Robert Vitelli are activists and work together at the LGBT Network.

They also are a married couple whose marriage would be fully protected if they decided to move to another state under the proposed legislation.

Kilmnick and Vitelli say love will always win and it shouldn't be a partisan issue.

"Our marriage should not be dependent on one's political party," Kilmnick said. "We're just as much of an American as anyone else, regardless of their political affiliation."

Vitelli said Thursday brought a sense of relief that members of the LGBTQ+ community can live like every other American and not have to frequently worry about the rights of their marriage being taken away.

"More people in government support us than don't, so we feel really good," Vitelli said.

The bill now heads to President Joe Biden's desk where it is expected to be signed into law.