Sacramento, Calif. - The state of California has appealed a federal court ruling that struck down a 2005 law banning the sale of violent video games to minors. In August 2007, the U.S. District Court struck down the law, which was introduced by then Assemblyman and now State Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"California's violent video game law properly seeks to protect children from the harmful effects of interactive, ultra violent video games," said Senator Yee.

"As stated in the appeal, our efforts to assist parents in the fight to keep these harmful video games out of the hands of children should survive Constitutional challenge under all levels of judicial review."

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a video game industry trade group, challenged the law in court and is now seeking over $300,000 in legal fees from the state.

The ESA says that eight other jurisdictions have struck down similar laws as unconstitutional.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/1x3vl (Yee statement)

http://snipurl.com/1x3vn (Game Politics)