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 way that's aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody of their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

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

The governor said the new regulation will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've seen with the offended crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to information businesses. “This invoice will present protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.