PORTLAND (AP) — The Portland City Council has unanimously approved creation of a buffer zone around a woman’s health clinic to separate patients from anti-abortion protesters.

The measure passed 9-0 Monday night creates a 39- foot zone around entrances to reproductive health care facilities from which antiabortion protesters would be barred.

Portland has one Planned Parenthood clinic.

The ordinance takes effect immediately.

Abortion rights supporters said at the meeting that protesters harass and threaten women going into the clinic, reducing some to tears.

Protesters countered that their free speech rights were being infringed and have threatened legal action.

The city’s police chief says although his department has received many complaints about protesters, there have been no arrests at the clinic.

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