Violent Video Games OK’d In California

A federal judge has deemed California’s attempt to bar the sale of violent video games to minors as unconstitutional and a violation of free speech. As a result, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is planning to issue an appeal. Shame on you Arnold. Stop being a “Girlie-Man,” we all know you are a cyborg from the future planning to destroy the world. There is far more violence in your action movies than in video games.

The law to ban the sales to minors was passed in 2005 with support from Schwarzenegger. Legislators claimed violent video games can bring psychological harm and cause aggressive behavior in minors. Wanting to block the law, The Video Software Dealers Association and the Entertainment Software Association promptly sued, claiming a violation of free speech.

Judge Ronald Whyte had this to say about his decision, “At this point, there has been no showing that violent video games as defined in the Act, in the absence of other violent media, cause injury to children. In addition, the evidence does not establish that video games, because of their interactive nature or otherwise, are any more harmful than violent television, movies, internet sites or other speech-related exposures. Although some reputable professional individuals and organizations have expressed particular concern about the interactive nature of video games, there is no generally accepted study that supports that concern.”

In defense, Arnold Schwarzenegger comments, “I signed this important measure to ensure that parents are involved in determining which video games are appropriate for their children. Many of these games are made for adults and choosing games that are appropriate for kids should be a decision made by their parents.”

At some point as Schwarzenegger was lead by body guards, he promptly yelled, “GET TO THE CHOPPERRR!!!!!”

August 10, 2007 at 11:40 am | Business & Law | No Comments