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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in entrance of a personal 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 fashion that's geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody of their home. 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, however.

The governor stated the brand new law will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to information businesses. “This invoice will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.