More Video Game Attacks

[Merika]

Calif. Violent Game Ban Moves Forward
A strict proposal to keep minors from M-rated games may become law.
by David Adams
May 6, 2005 - A California bill which would ban the sale of M-rated games to those under 18 has been approved by the state Assembly's arts committee. The bill passed Thursday after reconsideration, winning a 6-4 vote from the committee.

Democratic Assembly Member Leland Yee is sponsoring the bill, which is a revamped version of similar legislation he proposed last year -- but which did not pass. The bill would ban the sale of violent games to minors, levy fines of up to $1,000 on retailers who violate the ban, and allow District Attorneys to close repeat offenders.

"For the same reason we don't allow kids to buy pornography, cigarettes, or alcohol, we shouldn't allow them to go to stores and buy video games that teach them to do the very things we put people in jail for -- abusing women, joining street gangs, killing police officers, or even assassinating President Kennedy," said Yee, as quoted in Reuters.

Opponents of the bill include video game industry groups who claim that the industry is already effectively policing sales to minors. Others say such legislation infringes on First Amendment rights.

The bill now moves to the full Assembly. If it survives Assembly review, it will make its way to the state Senate.
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The games are already rated R and marked for 17+ only. Kids can't purchase them, in any place I've been, without a parent showing ID. I don't really get the point unless they want to do away with their smutty movies also.