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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in entrance of a private 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's geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an email to news businesses. “This invoice will present protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.