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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in front of a non-public residence in Florida can face jail time and fines under a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their house. 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 stated the new law will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to information agencies. “This bill will provide safety to those living in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.