State shocked by Sandy Hook shooting opens floor for talks on violent games legislation
Lawmakers in Connecticut have held public talks concerning a number of proposed laws to deal with violent games.
The state witnessed one of the worst school shootings in history in December, and the aftermath has seen legislators scrambling to do something about what is percieved as the threat posed by violent games.
Game Politics reports that laws discussed included a ban on those under 18 playing shooters in public arcades and a ten per cent "sin" tax on games rated "Mature" by the ESRB.
Supporters of the laws stated their belief there is a causal link between violent games and violent actions.
The Connecticut chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and media trade bodies warned lawmakers that such laws would ultimately prove unconstitutional.
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"This is a case where there’s solid law of the land on this issue," said ACLU staff attourney David McGuire, referencing the 2011 Supreme Court decision that gave games full first ammendment protection.
Other attendees questioned the link between games and violence.
"People play these video games throughout the world," said Sacred Heart University student Stephen Hanshaw.
"There has not been an increase of violence in correlation with the amount that has been sold."
Before any of these bills come to a vote they will have to appear before a variety of committees. It remains to be seen what affect the public argument has had on proposed legislation.
"This is a case where there’s solid law of the land on this issue," - See more at: http://gamepolitics.com/2013/02/26/conn-lawmakers-get-mixed-reaction-public-hearing-proposed-video-game-legislation#.US2-OlHqm0x
Have they totally ignored the fact that violent crime rates have been dropping since the 80's, which is coincidentally when the first video games were made? Maybe these games are an outlet for people who would otherwise be violent in real life. Idiots.
