THE Scottish Tories have defended Douglas Ross's criticism of the SNP -Greens deal as “anti-families”.

He was met with a wave of criticism on social media for the remark, with many pointing to the term’s historic use as a “homophobic dog-whistle”.

Politicians including the SNP’s Karen Adam, who was raised in a same-sex household, were among those who called on Ross to clarify what he meant by the term.

Ross tweeted: “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.”

A Scottish Tory spokesperson has now rejected criticism that the tweet referred to LGBT families.

They 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 hard-working 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.”

Adam was among many to take Ross to task over his comments.

She said: “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?”

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.”