US videogame groups sue to overturn ban

SAN JOSE: Two trade groups representing video game makers filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the recently passed California law banning the sale or rental of violent video games to minors.

The Video Software Dealers Association and Entertainment Software Association contend the law is unconstitutional and violates free speech rights guaranteed in the US. Constitution, according to the lawsuit filed  in the US District Court in San Jose. The suit names governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who signed the bill earlier this month, state attorney general bill Lockyer and other local officials.

The law, which goes into effect January 1, bans retailers from selling or renting violent video games to those 17 years of age and under, imposes a  1,000 fine on violators and mandates stricter product labeling. It is similar to legislation that other states passed earlier this year after hidden sex scenes were discovered in a popular game, ‘Grand Theft Aut San Andreas’. Public complaints also spurred a Federal Trade Commission investigation and a new rating for the ‘San Andreas’ game from ‘M’ for mature to ‘AO’ for adults only. Schwarzenegger defended the law, saying it helped parents determine which video games were appropriate for their children.

“I believe strongly that we must give parents the tools to help them protect their children,” the governor said “I will do everything in my power to preserve this new law.” he said. Industry representatives say they are confident the  law will fail to survive the legal challenge as federal courts have struck down similar statutes in recent years.