With President Barack Obama becoming the first sitting president in American history to openly endorse same-sex marriage, gay right's advocates are using the momentum to push for legislation at the state level throughout the country.

The Equality Federation, a national alliance of GLBT organizations that includes Equality Illinois, has begun an online movement to push for state-based same-sex marriage legislation via petition. 

Since Obama's announcement on his support of same-sex marriage last week, which the president plans to leave to the states to handle, gay right's advocates have wasted no time in looking for ways to continue to move the issue forward at the local level.

"Not only did the President say he believes same-sex couples should be treated with dignity and respect, he acknowledged the critical work going on in the states to advance important issues to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, including marriage equality," explained Rebecca Isaacs, executive director of the Equality Federation, in a letter to state representatives for the group promoting the same-sex marriage petition.

Here is the petition's pledge:

Yes, I will stand with President Obama and the Equality Federation to build a state-based movement for marriage equality!

I support the work of our state groups, and the Equality Federation’s role in building the capacity of these critical organizations.

Together, we will achieve full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans!

To view or sign the petition, click here.

In Illinois, as we reported earlier this week, same-sex marriage legislation has gotten the support of Gov. Pat Quinn. Nonetheless, the bill's sponsor, State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), does not think the piece of legslation will move forward during the current session due to focus on the state budget and pensions.