Albany, N.Y. - New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer plans to back state legislation that would ban the sale of violent and degrading video games to minors, the New York Daily News reported.

Spitzer announced the plan -- under which retailers who sell such or rent games to those under 18 would face fines -- on Friday in a speech before the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network.

"It is now pretty well established that certain types of videos and images have an effect on behavior," Spitzer told reporters earlier this week.

Several video game bills are currently being considered by the New York legislature, GamePolitics reported.

The Entertainment Software Association, which represents U.S. video game developers and publishers, has consistently challenged such laws in the courts, winning nine rulings over the past seven years that have struck down or enjoined laws seeking to ban video game sales to minors.

The ESA has also been awarded over $1.71 million in attorneys' fees in the course of its challenges, from states and municipalities that have passed such laws.

Related Links:
http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/0420071.html

http://tinyurl.com/2jmyez (NY Daily News)

http://tinyurl.com/3a7r6n (GamePolitics)

http://www.theesa.com/archives/2007/04/video_game_indu_10.php