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

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

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

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e-mail to information companies. “This bill will provide protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.