Andrea Leadsom is facing calls to apologise after saying parents have a right to stop their children being “exposed” to lessons about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.

The Commons leader triggered criticism when she stepped into the controversy of several Birmingham schools suspending the classes following complaints from parents.

“I think it is right that government should have passed legislation that requires that relationships and sex education is taught in schools, but at the same time, I also agree that it is right that parents should be able to choose the moment at which their children become exposed to that information,” she said.

Ms Leadsom insisted she was a “massive supporter” of efforts to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people.

In a radio interview, she added: “For many parents – myself included – I would be extremely happy for my children to grow up finding that their LGBT classmates are exactly the same as them.”

But Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman, said: “Andrea Leadsom’s comment comes across as nothing short of bigoted and offensive.”

Demanding an apology, Ms Moran added: “What she refers to as being ‘exposed to that information’ is, in fact, children being educated.

“Which is exactly what our schools are there to do, and are being taught to understand and be respectful of all individuals, families and relationships.”

Later, Theresa May ducked an opportunity to “condemn” Ms Leadsom’s comments, when Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle attacked “bigots that don’t want LGBT people to be heard in schools”.

Mr Russell-Moyle said the prime minister had “campaigned to keep Section 28”, which prevented the “promotion of homosexuality”, which he said, “led to millions of young people like myself growing in fear of being LGBT”.

“I thought the prime minister had seen the error of her ways, but this morning the leader of the house [Mrs Leadsom] said on radio that parents should decide when they are ‘exposed’ to LGBT education,” he said.

“This is Conservative Party dog-whistle politics. Will the prime minister condemn the leader of the house?”

In response, the prime minister said she was “very happy to write to him” with the detailed advice to schools on LGBT+ education in schools, but sparked anger from the Labour benches by failing to mentions Ms Leadsom’s comments.

Asked, on LBC Radio, if five-year-olds should receive the lessons, Ms Leadsom said: “I would be entirely happy for my children to grow up finding that their LGBT classmates are exactly the same as them.

“One of my own kids was in a class with a friend who had two mums and that was absolutely normal right from a very young age.