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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that's aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an email to information businesses. “This invoice will provide safety to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.