Australia's openly lesbian senator opposes marriage equality

The first lesbian cabinet member in Australia's history - Penny Wong - says she backs her party leader's negative stance on marriage equality because that's the party's position.

"On the issue of marriage I think the reality is there is a cultural, religious, historical view around that which we have to respect. The party's position is very clear that this is an institution that is between a man and a woman."

Senator Wong said she respected Labor's view of marriage as an institution between a man and a woman.

"I am part of a party and I support the party's policies."