Originally published October 9 2005
Michigan passes a bill to limit the sale of violent video games to minors
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently passed a bill that places a hefty fine on those who sell violent video game to minors.
This week Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed into law a bill which levies stiff fines, and even jail time, for selling violent video games to minors.
Michigan Senate Bill 416 provides for fines of up to $40,000 or imprisonment for up to 93 days for the sale of sexually explicit or "ultra-violent" video games.
Today, the Entertainment Software Association announced its intention to file suit against the Michigan law, claiming that, like similar legislation in Washington and Indianapolis, the new bill violates free speech protections and provides no clear definition as to what constitutes "violent content."
"If this law is implemented, it will not only limit First Amendment rights for Michigan's residents, but, by virtue of its vagueness, it will also create a huge amount of confusion for Michigan's retailers, parents, and video game developers," said ESA president Douglas Lowenstein in a statement.
"I'm confident the court will affirm our position given the rulings on similar statutes in other jurisdictions; indeed, the facts, the science, the law, and the U.S. Constitution have not changed since those decisions were handed down."
A bill similar to Michigan's passed California's Assembly last week, and awaits Governor Schwarzenegger's approval.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml