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 invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor mentioned the new law 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 personal residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an electronic mail to news businesses. “This bill will provide safety to these residing in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.