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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's aimed at intentionally 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 regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor said the new law will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we now have seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to news companies. “This invoice will present protection to those residing in residential communities and I'm glad to signal 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.