Ban on protests in front 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 underneath a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

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

The governor stated the brand new regulation will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we have now seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to information companies. “This invoice will present safety to those dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.