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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that is aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody of their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

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

The governor said the new legislation will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to information agencies. “This bill will provide safety to those living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.