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

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

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

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we've seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to information agencies. “This invoice will provide protection to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.