Ban on protests in entrance of homes 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 below a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody 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, 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’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to news agencies. “This invoice will provide protection to those residing in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.