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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that is aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor mentioned the new law will prevent 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 non-public residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court docket 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 sign it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.