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 underneath a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

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

The governor said the brand new regulation will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to information agencies. “This invoice will present safety to these living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.