Sacramento, Calif. - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday appealed a federal court ruling that struck down as unconstitutional a law that would have restricted the sale of violent video games to minors.

"Many studies show the link between playing ultra-violent video games and violent behavior. We have a responsibility to our kids and our communities to protect against the effects of games that depict ultra-violent actions," said Schwarzenegger.

"We protect our children from buying inappropriate movies and ought to be able to protect them from buying inappropriate video games as well."

In response, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which represents video game makers, filed a motion with the judge in the original case seeking reimbursement of over $324,000 in attorneys fees it expended in challenging the law in court.

Eight other jurisdictions have previously struck down similar video game laws as unconstitutional.

"California citizens should be outraged at their elected leaders. Hard-earned tax dollars were spent on defending this law that California's state leaders knew was unconstitutional," said ESA president Michael D. Gallagher.

Related Links:
http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/press-release/7336/