Laws in Tasmania to protect women’s privacy have upset the Australian Christian Lobby.

Laws have been changed to ban groups from protesting less than 150 metres from an abortion clinic.

The changes were made so that women who faced the dim and unenviable decision were not harassed by crowds who believed they should be denied the choice.

But the state’s Christian lobbyists say their freedom is being impinged upon, and may consider a High Court challenge.

“We believe that people should have the right to express things that they're concerned about in a democracy,” Tasmanian director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Mark Brown said.

Tasmanian Health Minister, Michelle O'Byrne said in a statement to the media:

“This is an Australian first and it is incredibly important because a woman must be able to access a medical procedure without being subject to intimidation, stigmatisation, vilification or any other form of harassment.

“This is not about impeding on anyone's right to free expression; it is about protecting women facing an incredibly difficult and complex decision made in circumstances no stranger can or should presume to understand.”

Jim Collins, Tasmanian officer for Christian advocacy group Family Voice Australia said; “this is a move in the wrong direction for freedom of speech and freedom of conscious in such a divisive issue.”

It is not certain whether a High Court challenge will be undertaken. Legal experts are undecided on whether the challenge is likely to be a success.

The groups opposed to a woman’s right to make decisions for herself currently face up to a year in jail if their religious beratement is conducted too close to the clinics.