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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a personal 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 aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody in their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor mentioned the new law will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to news companies. “This invoice will present safety to these living in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into law.”

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.