A New York Democrat introduced a bill in the state legislature this week that would allow the governor or his surrogates to put individuals with contagious illnesses like COVID-19 in detention centers.
New York State Assemblyman N. Nick Perry defended the bill, known as Bill A416, as a precautionary measure.
“This bill was initially introduced to address public health concerns related to the containment of the Ebola virus after it was discovered that Ebola-infected persons had entered the United States,” Perry told Fox News in a statement.
“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 … 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,” he continued.
The bill would allow the governor to apply for a court order to arrest and detain individuals who violate a “state of health emergency.”
“[T]he governor or his or her delegee may, in his or her discretion, issue and seek enforcement of any other orders that he or she determines are necessary or appropriate to prevent dissemination or transmission of contagious diseases … to require an individual who has been exposed to or infected by a contagious disease to complete an appropriate, prescribed course of treatment, preventive medication or vaccination…,” the bill reads. “Such person or group of persons shall be detained in a medical facility or other appropriate facility or premises designated by the governor or his or her delegee…”
Critics blasted the bill as a totalitarian measure that would allow the government to imprison anyone who disagrees with coronavirus restrictions.
So disturbing. NY 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. https://t.co/6fgl0RP8fx
— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) January 3, 2021
This is straight up detention camp stuff in NY! A Bill giving @NYGovCuomo, Health Commissioner or any “designated” official full “power” to remove any person/group of people from their home if deemed contagious. It’s horrifying. Wake up NY & Fight! A416 https://t.co/mU2cWDm1oD
— Liz Joy (@LizLemeryJoy) January 2, 2021
