Ban on protests in entrance of homes 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 bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that is aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody in their residence. 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, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to information companies. “This invoice will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.