AP: Violent Video Games Ban in La. Blocked

[Eugene]

Violent Video Games Ban in La. Blocked

By DOUG SIMPSON, Associated Press Writer

Friday, August 25, 2006

(08-25) 20:30 PDT Baton Rouge, La. (AP) --

A state law that would ban sales of violent video games to minors violates
free speech rights and cannot be enforced, a judge ruled.

U.S. District Judge James Brady said the state had no right to bar distribution
of materials simply because they show violent behavior. Brady issued an injunction,
calling the law an "invasion of First Amendment rights" of producers, retailers
and the minors who play the games.

"Depictions of violence are entitled to full constitutional protection," Brady wrote
Thursday.

Louisiana is the latest in a string of states, including Minnesota, Illinois,
California and Michigan, to have had similar bans blocked in the courts. A federal
judge in Illinois this month ordered the state to pay more than $510,000 to three
business groups — including the Entertainment Software Association, a plaintiff
in the Louisiana case — for legal fees incurred in fighting a similar state law.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/08/25/national/a202924D32.DTL

[bananas]

1. So how can they block porn?

Where does the constitution say violence is free speech but sex is not?

[Solon]

2. Obscenity laws are rarely enforced completely...

and they also have been struck down by the courts when they are too broad. But, another thing to remember is this, rating systems for Movies and Music are NOT enforced by the law. It is NOT illegal for a movie theatre to allow minors to see an "R" rated movie, however, IF they do, the MPAA may not allow them to show any more of their movies. Its called being self-regulated. This is also the reason why it is legal to sell "unrated" DVDs at stores as well.

Problems occur when a combination of Parent's ignorance and retailers indifference are combined to create a situation where parents are surprised that that "M" for Mature rated game they bought for little Johnny actually is a game with mature content.