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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a personal residence in Florida can face jail time and fines underneath a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of their house. 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, nonetheless.

The governor stated the brand new law will stop 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 personal residences, like we have seen with the offended crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e-mail to information businesses. “This invoice will provide protection to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.