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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a non-public 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 manner that is geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody of their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor mentioned the brand new law will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we have seen with the offended crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to news companies. “This bill will provide protection to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.