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 beneath a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's geared toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring law enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to information businesses. “This bill will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.