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 below a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's aimed at intentionally 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, nonetheless.

The governor said the brand new regulation will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we've seen with the indignant crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an email to news agencies. “This invoice will present protection to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.