Anti-abortion protesters vowed yesterday to challenge and ignore a proposed city of Pittsburgh ordinance that would restrict their activities near abortion clinics.

"We will be in court," said Keith Tucci, pastor of Living Hope Church in Latrobe, as he ripped up a copy of the proposal. "Our behavior is not going to change. ... We will not abide by it."

Mr. Tucci was director of the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue from 1990 to 1994.

The ordinance by city Councilmen William Peduto and Doug Shields would bar protesters from within 15 feet of the doors of any health care facility, including clinics.

When within 100 feet of health facility doors, they would not be allowed within eight feet of clients without the clients' consent.

Some 20 protesters held graphic signs near the entrance to the Hilton Pittsburgh hotel, Downtown. They said they chose the location because it is 100 feet from American Women's Services, an abortion provider in Gateway Towers at 320 Fort Duquesne Blvd.

If the ordinance passes, "we're going to have to [protest near] places like this," said Helen Cindrich, executive director of People Concerned for the Unborn Child, as she gestured toward the hotel.

City Council is scheduled to hold a tentative vote on the ordinance tomorrow.