In an email to Democratic legislators on Friday, state Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) told them that if they vote in favor of gay marriage, “neither the wrath of God nor of voters will descend upon you.”

Citing last week’s Eagleton poll that cited more New Jerseyans supporting gay marriage than opposing it, but with only 2% considering it an important issue, Lesniak said it “certainly is important though to those gay couples who want and deserve the full protection of the law as guaranteed under the Constitution of the State of New Jersey.”

”Let's vote our conscience.  I hope your conscience says support marriage equality, but if it doesn't I understand your view.  What I can't understand is not voting,” he said.

Advocates for marriage equality plan to flood the Statehouse today to press legislators to bring the gay marriage bill up for a vote in the lame duck session.  

Gov.-Elect Chris Chrisite has pledged to veto the bill if it passes after he is sworn in, but Gov. Jon Corzine has said he will sign it.