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

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

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

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring law enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

The governor said the brand new law will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have now seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e mail to news agencies. “This bill will present safety to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.