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 under a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor mentioned the new legislation 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 personal residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to news companies. “This invoice will present protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.