New York Court of Appeals Denies Nushawn Williams' Request for Review of Civil Commitment (2016)

On December 15, 2016, the New York Court of Appeals denied Nushawn Williams' request that it review the decision to indefinitely civilly commit him to a New York State Psychiatric Center as a dangerous sex offender based on his sexual activity with young women while living with HIV. CHLP, with the support of twelve national and state racial justice, disability, HIV and medical organizations and four individuals, had filed a brief arguing that Williams represents the only case in New York where an individual has been essentially isolated or quarantined in whole or part based on his HIV status. We also argued that singling out a person living with HIV for this kind of extraordinary treatment under the law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. We will continue to provide legal support to Mr. Williams and are strategizing with his attorney, Mark Davison, on further steps in the case.