5/13/2005

 

State Senate Passes Ban On Violent Video Games To Minors


May 12, 2005, 1:13 PM
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Youth under 17 could not buy or rent violent or sexually explicit video games under legislation approved overwhelmingly Thursday by the state Senate.
The Senate sent four bills to the House aimed at keeping minors away from games that depict graphic death, maiming, criminal sexual conduct and other scenes.
Retailers who sell or rent such games to minors could face up to a year in jail, $5,000 fine or both.
One bill would bar the dissemination, exhibition or display of "ultra-violent" matter deemed harmful to minors -- though parents and guardians would not face penalties.
Sen. Alan Cropsey, R-DeWitt, a sponsor of one bill, said there are studies showing a link between children playing video games and being more aggressive.
"Violent media and violent video games have a harmful effect on minors," he said.
Democratic Sen. Hansen Clarke of Detroit, another sponsor, lauded both Republicans and Democrats for working to pass the legislation.
"Many school-age murderers are indeed obsessive video game players," he said.
Many lawmakers expressed confidence the legislation, if enacted, will hold up in court.
Federal courts have rejected laws passed in other states as unconstitutional, citing free speech concerns.
Sen. Liz Brater, D-Ann Arbor, said she voted against two bills because of the constitutionality question.
"It will not survive judicial review," she said.
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The video game legislation is Senate Bills 249, 416 and 463-64.





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