The Victorian government must consult with an anti-abortion group before it imposes an exclusion zone around abortion clinics, the Australian Christian Lobby says.
The Victorian government has agreed to support a proposal by Sex Party MP Fiona Patten to establish exclusion zones around abortion clinics and hefty penalties for those who breach them to prevent protesters from harassing women.
Ms Patten's initial private member's bill set exclusion zones at 150 metres but the government has said it will review the distance to ensure the law is enforceable and to avoid unintended consequences.
But Australian Christian Lobby Victorian director Dan Flynn says the government must make good its promise to consult all interested parties before drawing up its legislation.
While he acknowledged that some anti-abortion protesters had acted aggressively in the past, he said one group, the Helpers of God's Precious Infants, had a history of "peaceful discussion and advocacy" outside clinics.
He said the group had offered support to expectant mothers and had averted some abortions.
"We ask (Families, Children and Youth) Minister Jenny Mikakos to consult with all relevant stakeholders including the helpers," he told AAP.
"Other legislation is already in place (to control protesters) without going to the lengths of restricting free speech outside abortion clinics," he said.
The government will introduce the legislation, which is likely to pass, before the end of the year.
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