Illinois ‘violent videos’ ban
p2pnet.net News:- Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich wants the state to make it illegal for anyone younger than 18 to buy violent or sexually explicit games.
Videos on his hit list would be the Grand Theft Auto series, Microsoft’s Halo 2 and Mortal Kombat Gov.
Blagojevich said in a statement that he’s also launched a website so parents can find information about impact of violent games on children’s behavior, and exchange warnings about video games not appropriate for children.
Currently, nothing under Illinois law specifically prohibits children from buying or renting video games, no matter how violent or sexually explicit they may be.
“Some of the popular video games on the market right now allow kids to simulate and participate in violent and sexual activities,” he says.
Blagojevich says he’ll introduce two bills during the upcoming legislative session:
- One that bans the distribution, sale, rental and availability of violent video games to children younger than 18; and,
- Another that bans the distribution, sale, rental and availability of sexually explicit video games to children younger than 18.
“Violent” games would be defined as those realistically depicting human-on-human violence in which the player kills, injures, or otherwise causes physical harm to another human, including but not limited to depictions of death, dismemberment, amputation, decapitation, maiming, disfigurement, mutilation of body parts, or rape.
“Sexually explicit” games would be defined as those realistically depicting male or female genitalia and other nudity exposed in a way that, in accordance with contemporary community standards, predominantly appeals to the prurient interest of the player. Games in which the redeeming social value of the material outweighs its appeal to the prurient interest shall not be deemed “sexually explicit.”
The probably penalty for violating the bans would be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison or a $5,000 fine.
The two bills would also require retailers to label violent and sexually explicit video games, similar to the “Parental Advisory” label found on music CDs, and to post signs explaining the video game rating system.
Failure to place proper signs could be punishable by a $1,000 fine for the first three violations and a $5,000 fine for every subsequent violation.
Illinois would become the first state to ban the sale and distribution of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors.
The National Institute of Media and the Family recently found that 87% of pre-teen and teenage boys play games rated “M” for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board.
Even though mature games are labeled with the Entertainment Software Ratings Board’s “M” rating, there are no legal mechanisms in place preventing children from buying them, says Blagojevich’s statement, adding that a study by the Federal Trade Commission found that 69% of underage boys were able to purchase M-rated video games..
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See:-
violent or sexually explicit – Gov. Blagojevich proposes bill to make Illinois first state to prohibit sale or distribution of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors, Governor’s Office News, December 16, 2004
“M” for Mature – Violent video games slammed, p2pnet, November 24, 2004
December 17th, 2004 at 11:40 pm
“The probably penalty for violating the bans would be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison or a $5,000 fine.”
Why are these penalties always so screwed up?
I don’t think this is a fair penality. However, if they really think that its bad enough to send someone to jail for a year, why isn’t this equivalent to a $50,000 fine?
To me it seems that the US legal system is designed so that the only poor and
homeless go to prison, but these people stay in prison for a long time for minor crimes. So much for justice.
December 18th, 2004 at 5:04 am
“To me it seems that the US legal system is designed so that the only poor and
homeless go to prison, but these people stay in prison for a long time for minor crimes.”
dude, did you reach this profound conclusion recently? life and law mostly favor the wealthy, anywhere. *surpirse* yeah, its really sad and unfortunate but thats just the reality of living. I have gotten away with sooooo much stuff in the past (knock on wood.) If I told you the things I’ve gotten away with, you wouldn’t believe half of them. Why am I the golden boy? because my dad makes enough money to buy me a car most would envy and he is buddies with the best lawyer in town (who is also very wealthy, naturally.) not only do I get the best lawyer here but he also handles a lot of stuff for free because he is friend of the family.
who looks more suspicious to you? a nicely dressed man driving his porsche to see his friends in an affluent neighborhood or some rough looking poor people in a beat up crap box going to chill with their boys in the ghetto? especially true if said poor people are a minority. we demand of police officers to be fair but cops are just people like you and I, stereotypes exist. even if I can’t slide by the cops, my lawyer can work wonders in the courtroom, another advantage for me. I hope I made my point. am I above the law or is this fair? no and no but neither is life fair. I’m just astounded that this happens, especially because i didn’t do anything to deserve this “advantage” if you want to call it that, yet it follows me. I have it because my family is very fortunate and I am very thankful for that.
back to the ban … I do not favor most things that are banned by the law because I think in a democracy, citizens should have choices not bans. first of, I wouldn’t even call this proposed law a “ban”, its more of a restriction. It is also a restriction that I favor. frankly, I don’t think any one would make a valid case as to why this game should not be restricted. I love San Andreas, great game, but I wouldn’t want to be caught up with some kids that grew up playing it. thats a scary thought! young people are just too impressionable for a game of that nature. violent games should be treated just like alcohol, you need to responsible/old enough to realize that they alter reality. thats a part of why they are so “fun”. I’m sure some will get around this restriction but I don’t see how restricting it would hurt anything.
December 19th, 2004 at 3:43 pm
dont forget the liibrarys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ban the video checkout on them too.and games its amazing what my 4 kids use to come home with as kids in the 90s!!!!!!!!!
December 21st, 2004 at 2:38 pm
“Violent” games would be defined as those realistically depicting human-on-human violence in which the player kills, injures, or otherwise causes physical harm to another human
Crap. By that definition they should ban football, boxing, hockey, and a host of other “all-american” pastimes.
I don’t care if you’re facist, but at least be consistent.