The UK’s newly appointed Minister for Women and Equality says she backs gay marriage, despite fears about her poor voting record on LGBT rights.

Maria Miller was appointed the role of Culture Secretary during Prime Minister David Cameron’s reshuffle of his cabinet on 4 September.

However, the Conservative Member of Parliament sparked concern after it emerged she voted against adoption for gay couples, fertility treatment for lesbians, and has said she is in favor of defining homophobia as freedom of speech.

'Look, I think everybody should be married,' she told The Sunday Times.

'It’s something which creates strength in our society and whether it is two men, two women or a man and a woman, it is something which is a way for us to strengthen our society further.'

In May, Miller did urge Cameron not to drop his support for same-sex marriage after right-wing Conservatives urged him to ditch the measure.

Miller, who previously worked as the minister for the disabled, has announced plans to fast-track the rollout of superfast broadband, which she said was particularly important in tackling rural unemployment.

Helen Grant, Member of Parliament for Maidstone and The Weald in Kent, now holds the dual roles of Under-Secretary of State for Justice and Under-Secretary for Women and Equalities.

However, Grant has yet to go on the record about her stance on gay marriage.

The job of Minister for Women and Equality was previously held by Home Secretary Theresa May, who was also attacked for her voting record on appointment.

It was later felt by some to have embraced the job, with May recording a video stating her support for the Out4Marriage campaign.