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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their house. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor mentioned the new law will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to information companies. “This invoice will present safety to those dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.