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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that is aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their house. 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, however.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e mail to news companies. “This bill will present safety to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.