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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a personal residence in Florida can face jail time and fines below a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their home. 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, nevertheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we now have seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to information companies. “This invoice will present protection to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.