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

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

The laws 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 solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor mentioned the brand new legislation will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we've got seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to news businesses. “This invoice will provide protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.