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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in entrance of a private 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 way that is aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an electronic mail to information agencies. “This bill will provide protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.