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 bill 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 home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

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

The governor said the new law will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to information companies. “This bill will provide safety to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.