Groups Fight for Violent Video Games

S

Skyhawk

New member
Groups Fight for Violent Video Games
Lawsuit Claims News City Law is Unconstitutional
Aug. 22, 2000

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Two video game industry groups filed a lawsuit Monday claiming a new city law banning minors from playing violent and sexually explicit video games is unconstitutional.

The law requires coin-operated games featuring graphic violence or strong sexual content to have warning labels and be kept at least 10 feet from nonviolent game machines. The machines must also be separated by a curtain or wall so minors cannot see them. The law bars people under age 18 from such games unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Cite First Amendment

The American Amusement Machine Association and the Amusement and Music Operators Association hope to obtain a temporary restraining order to keep the law from taking effect Sept. 1. They say they support the city's desire to curb juvenile violence, but believe the ordinance violates First Amendment rights.

"What's next after banning video games depicting violence?" AMOA president Frank Seninsky said in a statement. "Movies? Books? ... We are on the edge of a slippery slope, and our industry has been forced to litigate to protect core constitutional rights."

The federal lawsuit names Mayor Bart Peterson, Marion County Prosecutor Scott Newman and city and county law officers who would enforce the ordinance.

Lawsuit expected

Mayoral spokesman Steve Campbell said the city expected a lawsuit over the ordinance -- believed to be the first of its kind -- but remains confident it will meet constitutional muster.

"We can't ever guarantee anything that goes on in a court of law, but we did our homework on this one," Campbell said. "We did quite a bit of research to make sure that this would stand up under judicial scrutiny."

************************************************************

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>"What's next after banning video games depicting violence?" AMOA president Frank Seninsky said in a statement. "Movies? Books? ... We are on the edge of a slippery slope, and our industry has been forced to litigate to protect core constitutional rights."[/quote]

GUNS???

Skyhawk

[This message has been edited by Skyhawk (edited August 22, 2000).]
 
I thought it was pretty bizzare when they passed the "ban".

I don't see how this is a 1st amendment issue though. What are they trying to say with their games. It's not like the games have any statement, they are entertainment.

The city isn't saying they can't have the games, just that minors are not allowed to play them. Much in the same way a movie is rated.



------------------
Peace...
Keith

If the 2nd is antiquated, what will happen to the rest.
"the right to keep and bear arms."

Some info on registering to vote, download the form at the bottom of the page, print a copy and mail it in. Everyone should be asking are you going to vote?

http://www.fec.gov/votregis/vr.htm
 
Isn't it weird that they would think nothing of infringing the rights of gunowners -- but as soon their hip pocket is under attack, they bleat like hell.

Hypocrites rolls off the tongue nicely.

I did a major in media and a minor in children's media studies, including film, television and video violence -- personally, I believe there is a direct correlation between violence in the media and an acceptance by children that violence is, somehow, "OK". (Can't prove it of course, but it's still a strongly held gut feeling.)

B

[This message has been edited by Bruce in West Oz (edited August 22, 2000).]
 
Bruce - I agree completely with your conclusions. TV today is nothing more than fertilizer for idiots and delinquints.

CMOS

------------------
NRA? Good. Now join the GOA!

The NRA is our shield, the GOA will be our sword.
 
If they take my violent video games away from me, I might have to resort to reality. :(

------------------
God, Guns and Guts made this country a great country!

oberkommando sez:
"We lost the first and third and now they are after the Second!(no pun intended)"
 
Maybe we should lend some support and make damn sure they know from where it comes. You know, tell them, "We've been under attack for some time. You're coming under attack now and it's only going to get worse. If we don't help each other, and others, we'll all lose."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top