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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of 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 brand new legislation will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e-mail to information agencies. “This bill will provide protection to these living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.