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

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

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

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

The governor mentioned the brand new regulation will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to information agencies. “This invoice will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.