Ban on protests in entrance of homes signed by Gov. DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a non-public residence in Florida can face jail time and fines underneath a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody in their house. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor mentioned the brand new regulation will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we now have seen with the offended crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e mail to news companies. “This invoice will provide safety to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into legislation.”

Some Democrats opposed the invoice, arguing it infringes on folks’s First Modification rights to free speech.

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.