Lawsuit to Challenge New Calif. Law Banning Violent Game Sales to Minors

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 11, 2005 - 7:16am.

Sacramento, Calif. - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a ban on the sale of violent video games to minors in the state, which the video game industry says it will challenge in court. The bill restricts the sale of violent games to those under 18, penalizing retailers who do with a $1,000 fine, and requires retailers to place more prominent game rating information in stores and a two-inch square "18" sticker on video game packaging. "Today I signed legislation to ensure parent involvement in determining which video games are appropriate for their children," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. Many of these games are made for adults and choosing games that are appropriate for kids should be a decision made by their parents." The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a video game industry trade group, said it plans to file a lawsuit to have the law overturned; similar bans on violent video game sales to minors have been struck down by courts in Washington state, St. Louis and Indianapolis. "We are disappointed that politicians of both parties chose to toss overboard the First Amendment and free artistic and creative expression in favor of political expediency," said ESA president Doug Lowenstein.
http://tinyurl.com/b2kfe (Gov. Schwarzenegger press release)
http://tinyurl.com/bqaql (text of AB 1179)
http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-games8oct08,0,942835.story
http://tinyurl.com/8kxdl (Reuters)
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=12127
http://www.theesa.com