AN SNP MSP has called on Douglas Ross to explain his use of a remark that has been criticised on social media as a “dog-whistle” for homophobia – with the Tories since denying suggestions his comment was about or critical of LGBT families – and tore apart his claims on the government's support for families.

The Scottish Tory leader wrote on Twitter that an SNP-Green deal would lead to “anti-families” governance.

That label has often been used in the past in reference to legislation improving the rights of LGBT people, sparking calls for Ross to clarify exactly what he meant by it.

Ross said: “Scotland will suffer from this nationalist coalition of chaos. The SNP-Green government will be anti-jobs, anti-business, anti-families, anti-drivers, anti-oil and gas. Nicola Sturgeon failed to win a majority, so she needs a hand to ramp up the division and push for indyref2.”

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam, who was raised in a same-sex household, hit out at the Tory and called on him to offer an explanation.

She tweeted: “Anti-families? What on earth does that mean? Please break that down for everyone so we know exactly what you are meaning. Does it mean any family that doesn’t fit a narrative you feel fits your opinion? Are you saying I haven’t had a real family? My family isn’t a real one?”

In a fierce takedown, Adam later added: “I am calling on Douglas Ross to clarify exactly what he meant by his ‘anti-families’ comment.

“As the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, he owes the Scottish people an explanation on what his definition of ‘anti-family’ is because terms like that are usually used as a homophobic dog whistles.

“Families come in all different demographics and sizes and his trope is not fit for Scottish politics in the 21st century.

“I certainly wish I had more understanding from society when I was raised in a same-sex home, my family was never the issue, external judgement and hostility was, and we need more inclusion for those that are being raised in situations that were similar to my own.

“As the Conservatives make devastating cuts to Universal Credit when families need it most, the SNP are working to double the Scottish Child Payment which may protect some families from the worst of Tory cuts.

“While Douglas Ross supports policies that are devastating families, such as the rape clause and cuts to universal credit, the SNP are committed to supporting all families. Our record in government is unmatched across the UK.

“We have delivered 600 hours of free childcare and are expanding that to 1140 hours, the baby box, over 96000 affordable homes, the fairest income tax system in the UK, free bus travel for over 60s, disabled people and under 19s which is also being extended to all under 22s, the Scottish child payment, free school meals for all P1-P3 pupils, the school clothing grant, free prescriptions, bedroom tax mitigation, free sanitary products, free tuition, and more.

“Tell me again, what is it the Conservatives are doing for families in Scotland?”

The Scottish Tories have denied that the comment was critical of LGBT families.

A spokesperson said: “It is 100% wrong to suggest this comment was about LGBT families. Nothing whatsoever in this tweet is critical of LGBT people.

“This comment was solely about the SNP-Green coalition hammering hardworking families, as we have said repeatedly since news of a nationalist deal broke.

“By ‘anti-families’, we mean exactly that – the SNP-Green Government will be harmful to families of all kinds across Scotland, regardless of the sex, gender or background of those families.”