The proposal of the mayor of New York, Eric Adams, for people with mental health problems to be hospitalized against their will has been challenged this Thursday in a federal court by defenders of these people, who have asked the court to stop the implementation of the plan, says the New York Times.
The civil rights lawyers’ organization representing the activists filed a motion asking the court for a temporary restraining order on Adams’ plan, which they allege would violate constitutional rights to due process and trespass, as well as the law. federal for people with disabilities.
The motion also alleges that police have “little or no experience” in handling people with mental disabilities who could be “forcibly, often violently detained,” the Times further notes.
Today’s motion is in addition to a lawsuit filed last year by activists and individuals over the way the Police Department handles what it calls a "emotionally disturbed person".
On November 30, Adams unveiled his plan to bring people with serious mental illnesses who may pose a danger to others and themselves or who are unable to provide the basic necessities to survive, to psychiatric centers.
According to Adams, the city had a “moral obligation” to immediately help the hundreds of people whose mental illness prevents them from meeting basic needs like food, shelter and health care, even if they pose no threat to others.
He said he would push for hospitals to keep patients until they are stable and a long-term care plan has been put in place. Immediately his proposal collided with the rejection of advocates for people with mental health problems.