Ban on protests in front of properties signed by Gov. DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone 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's geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

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

The governor said the brand new law 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 we have seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an electronic mail to information companies. “This bill will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.