A Proposed NY "Detention Bill" Draws Criticism
Although the New York Assembly isn’t scheduled to consider it until Wednesday, a proposed bill that calls for detaining people who are “threats” to public health has already sparked a firestorm of criticism. "So disturbing,” tweets podcast host Allie Beth Stuckey, one of several critics of the legislation. “New York bill allows for the ‘removal and detention’ of anyone who 'may be a danger to public health.' Yes, that’s purposely undefined. Yes, it will be used, at least one day, to forcibly remove you or your children from your home for whatever reason the state sees fit." However, the bill’s author, New York Assemblyman N. Nick Perry says its sole purpose is to prevent more deaths in the state. “There is no intent, no plan or provisions in my bill to take away, or violate any rights, or liberties that all Americans are entitled to under our Constitution, either state or federal," Perry says. "I am an American who understands our Constitution is sacred, and provides us with the right to agree or disagree, and hold different positions on issues that may relate to our civil and constitutional rights."