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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone 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 manner that's aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

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

The governor said the new regulation will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an electronic mail to information agencies. “This invoice will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal 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.