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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that makes it illegal to protest at an individual’s residence, citing the demonstrators who have shown up outside of multiple Supreme Court justices’ homes in recent weeks.
Under the new law, protesters can only be arrested if they ignore a law enforcement officer’s orders to disperse.
“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in a statement on Monday.
“This bill will provide protection to those living in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”
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Violators can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and face up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.
Groups of protesters have gathered outside the homes of Supreme Court Justices after a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that would overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked to Politico earlier this month.
U.S. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S. February 24, 2022. (REUTERS/Marco Bello)
The Senate unanimously passed the Supreme Court Police Parity Act last week, which would provide around-the-clock security to justices and their families, but the House is yet to vote on it.
Alito’s leaked draft does not represent the final opinion of the court, and it could change before a ruling is issued later in the term.
