John Stutchbery told Monday night’s council meeting that he was appalled by the behaviour of the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants who gather outside the practice.

“This is an international and fully-funded organisation which co-ordinates its members and they appear on Englehardt Street,” he said

“The women attending the clinic are young and vulnerable and this organisation is acting in a bullying way with their behaviour.

“Even the act of praying or standing there in full view of these young women, who are entitled to private and confidential medical care, is bullying behaviour.”

HOGPI member Roland von Marburg, who was in the council’s gallery, declined to respond to Cr Stuchbery.