Illinois House Passes Game Ban
Violent, sexual games could be illegal.
by Patrick Klepek
03/17/2005
Ratings system or not, the controversy over video game violence and sexual explicitness is far from over. Today, the Associated Press reports the Illinois House reviewed and approved Governor Rod Blagojevich's proposed ban on selling violent video games to children. The bill will appear at the Illinois Senate next Wednesday due to several lawmakers complaints.
If the proposal were to pass, violent and sexually explicit video games would become illegal to sell to minors. Those in violation could face a year in prison or a $5,000 fine. Similar laws have been planned in Washington, Indiana and Missouri, but were overturned by the courts, citing violating of free speech and vaguely written rules.
Opponents of the bill claim the proposal removes responsibility from parents. "I'm asking you to stand up for the First Amendment. I'm asking you today to tell parents, 'That's your responsibility, not mine,'" Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, told the Illinois House.
Those in support, however, cite evidence from a Harvard University study suggesting children suffer post-trauma stress from repeated playing of certain games. "They're watching police officers getting their heads blown off. They're defecating on people. They get extra points for sleeping with prostitutes," said Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, D-Aurora.
This, sadly, is a state where 27% of the people voted for Alan Keyes. Dumbassery reigns. Fortunately, the courts will rule in line with other courts and strike it down.
In "Conker's Bad Fur Day" for the N64 poop is used as a weapon against you (you use toilet paper as a weapon in retaliation) and you use poop as a weapon (turned into a vampire bat, you poop guano on your prey).
