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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a private 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 is aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in 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, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e mail to information agencies. “This bill will provide protection to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.