Ban on protests in entrance of houses 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 under 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 in their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor said the new law will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties 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 Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an email to news agencies. “This invoice will provide protection to those living in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.