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 fashion that's geared toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their house. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an electronic mail to information agencies. “This invoice will provide safety to these living in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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.