Ban on protests in front 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 underneath a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their home. 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, however.

The governor mentioned the new legislation will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like now we have seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an email to news agencies. “This bill will provide protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.