Ban on protests in entrance of houses 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 bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

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

The governor mentioned the new legislation will prevent 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 non-public residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to information companies. “This bill will present protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.