Bruce Springsteen has pledged his support to a gay marriage bill in his home state of New Jersey.

Politicians are due to vote on the bill on Thursday, but Democrats fear it could fall short of the 21 votes needed to pass the Senate.

In a message on his website, Springsteen said he agreed with Governor Jon Corzine that the marriage-equality issue should be recognised as a civil rights issue.

“I've long believed in and have always spoken out for the rights of same sex couples,” Springsteen said.

He called on “those who support equal treatment for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters to let their voices be heard”.

According to the Associated Press, Governor-elect Chris Christie – a Springsteen fan – has said he plans to veto the bill.

Meanwhile, Springsteen collected a Kennedy Center award, which honours contribution to US culture, at the White House on Sunday.

The 60-year-old singer was presented with the prize by President Barack Obama.

(by Jason Gregory)