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

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

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

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

The governor stated the brand new regulation will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an email to information companies. “This bill will provide safety to these living 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 legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.