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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a non-public residence in Florida can face jail time and fines underneath 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 someone of their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

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

The governor stated the new legislation will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've got seen with the offended crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an electronic mail to information businesses. “This bill will present protection to these living in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.