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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a private 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 manner that is aimed at 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 regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we've got seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e mail to information companies. “This bill will present protection to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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.