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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that is aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody of their residence. 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, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e-mail to news companies. “This invoice will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.