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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed toward intentionally 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 regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

The governor mentioned the brand new legislation will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to information companies. “This invoice will present protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.