Tim Farron claimed voters find it "bizarre" for journalists to be "banging on about someone's faith" after sidestepping questions on whether he believes abortion is wrong.
The Liberal Democrat leader was asked five times to outline his stance on abortion, including if he believes it is "wrong", during an appearance on Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
Mr Farron repeatedly stressed he believed women should have access to abortion which is "legal and safe".
He stated this is a long-term view of his after a 2007 interview with a Salvation Army publication emerged in which he reportedly said "abortion is wrong".
Mr Farron, after being asked twice to say if he believed abortion was wrong, was told by Ms Ridge that he had not been clear.
He replied: "Well, I believe women should have access under law which is safe and legal, and I think that's the critical issue - do you believe people should be able to make that choice under law, and do you believe the law as it stands is right and the science that dictates, or rather underlines, that law is right.
"I do believe that, I did then and I do now."
Told people want to know what he thinks about things, Mr Farron replied: "Do you know what, the measure of a liberal is someone who protects other people's rights no matter what your personal position is. That is fundamental.
"I think the odd kind of focus upon my faith over the last few weeks is one that I think millions of people will just think is very peculiar.
"I'm one of millions of people in this country who has a faith - some Christian, some not Christian - and the majority probably with no faith whatsoever.
"My job is to fight for the rights of all of those people."
Mr Farron listed concerns over schools and Brexit, adding: "I think people think it's bizarre that journalists and others spend their time banging on about someone's faith."
Ms Ridge denied she was "banging on about your faith", adding: "I'm just asking you a very straight question about whether you think abortion is wrong?"
Mr Farron replied: "You are, you are Sophy. I've answered it, which is I'm a liberal, I protect and defend people's rights to make those choices.
"I believe abortion should be safe, legally accessible. That's what I believed then, that's what I believe now.
"Let's talk about things that are going to affect our children's future now."
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