The Seanad has passed legislation to prohibit pro-life gatherings near hospitals and clinics that administer abortion.

The so-called Safe Access Zones Bill had previously been passed by the Dáil, and will now go to the President to be signed into law.

The Bill will prohibit any anti-abortion presence, including silent prayer, within 100 metres of facilities that could be providing access to abortion.

Independent Senator Rónán Mullen said Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly, had nothing to be proud of.

“He has got an easy win for himself by caving in to an activist group and by attacking the peaceful expression of dissent on abortion”, he said.

He called on the President to consult the Council of State about referring the bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality.

He also urged peaceful protesters to challenge the legislation.

“People should continue to witness respectfully and not to be intimidated by a Government that wants to silence people”.

In a statement, the Pro Life Campaign described the Bill as “draconian” and said it “will do nothing to help women in unplanned pregnancies. Instead, it seeks to smear pro-life citizens and introduces sweeping measures which undermine everyone’s fundamental rights.”