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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in entrance of a private residence in Florida can face jail time and fines under a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is geared toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor mentioned the new law will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we've got seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to news agencies. “This bill will present protection 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 Amendment rights to free speech.

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.