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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that's geared toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their house. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

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

The governor mentioned 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 non-public residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news companies. “This invoice will present safety to these residing in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.