Oklahoma introduces violent videogames bill

[wraggster]

The latest in the seemingly relentless political attacks on the videogames industry comes in the shape of a new violent videogames bill from the State of Oklahoma, which has successfully passed a Senate hearing.

Echoing the "games as porn" bill put forward by Utah Representative David L. Hogue, which sailed through the House of Representatives by a vote of 56-8 before being canned when the State Senate failed to vote on the bill, The Oklahoma legislation would make it a felony to knowingly exhibit or sell violent video games to minors.

Seeking an amendment to existing laws that are intended to regulate the distribution of pornographic and sadomasochistic material, the new bill proposed by Senator Glen Coffee once again encompasses as broad and vague a definition of what constitutes a violent videogame as possible, ensuring all the bases are covered, but opening the bill up to scrutiny and dismissal on First Amendment grounds.

According to GamePolitics.com, the bill was unanimously approved by the House in March, and was approved by the Senate on Monday with a vote of 47-0. However, due to an amendment by the Senate, the bill, which defines "inappropriate violence" to mean when "video game or computer software which is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community with respect to what is suitable for minors," will need to go back to the House for further approval.

If the House approves the amended bill, it will then pass to Governor Brad Henry for consideration. Henry will then have five days to sign the bill into law, and if he does, it will become a law on November 1st. This doesn't take into account intervention by the ESA, and the newly merged IEMA/VSA trade bodies, which have successfully secured both temporary and permanent injunctions against similar bills in California, Illinois and Michigan, in addition to protesting against the failed Utah bill.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=16360

[Voltron]

I am so tired of hearing about this stuff. I am a U.S. citizen and the constant ridiculous laws being created is starting to make the U.S.A. less and less FREE. How soon before I get fined or jailed for visiting certain web sites or writing on certain subjects in a forum much like this? Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against the E.S.R.B. rating system and stores not selling Rated M for mature games to 9 year old's. I could see a fine but to make it a felony is insane.

I would like to hear from members of this forum from other countries if this kind of stuff goes on in your countries as well or if it is mostly prevalent within the U.S.A.

It is the parents job to monitor their children and their video games. If something as simple as that is too much of a task for parents then they should not have kids in the 1st place.

The Senate and the "House" should worry about the much more serious problems of our world today. Putting more people in jail and/or creating a criminal record for such a thing is ahhh anger inducing.

[RedKing14CA]

Of course they're not running this buy the people... i mean it wasnt created for the people by the people or anything..

So no more mario, you have to jump on poor mushrooms... VIOLENT!!!

The ESRB was created to help parents choose games for their children... Wonder why the government is... hmm...

[teufels]

So no more mario, you have to jump on poor mushrooms... VIOLENT!!!

[Cap'n 1time]

Oklahoma... where is that?

[Cid Highwind]

Trying for 'freedom' upon others while taking it away from their own people, it's a weird country at the other side of the Atlantic

[benn]

I am so tired of hearing about this stuff... and the constant ridiculous laws being created

dont worry man, it is good for international relations... we all have a laugh at your laws.

...is starting to make the U.S.A. less and less FREE.

that is a whole 'nother debate

I would like to hear from members of this forum from other countries if this kind of stuff goes on in your countries as well or if it is mostly prevalent within the U.S.A.

No you are pretty much way 'ahead' of the rest of the world when it comes to stupid ass laws.

It is the parents job to monitor their children and their video games. If something as simple as that is too much of a task for parents then they should not have kids in the 1st place.

agree 100%. unlike stupid laws, crap parents who shouldnt have children are not specific to the US - they exist throughout the world. as do government measures to try and do their job for them. in the UK we have lots of this too.

The Senate and the "House" should worry about the much more serious problems of our world today.

can you say "Guantanamo Bay" or what about "kyoto treaty"

in conclusion, i know loads of US people who are very intelligent, charming, wise people. unfortunately, you often find that people like that very very rarely enter politics (as i mentioned they were wise). so what you end up with is a bunch of egotistical, small-penis mofo's running the country. this is another universal issue... although George Bush is pretty hard to top for stupid leaders. ... i would say France and Italy come very close.

[John Vattic]

Wait A bloody minute!
These same wankers that start bloody wars, are stating video games might create wars?
This is the biggest load of hogfeces I've ever heard.
What is the word I'm looking for?
Is it Hypo, Hypo, Hypocrite, yeah thats it!
What a bunch of hypocrites.
Thats it for real. I'm gonna be sick.
Stupid Stupid Bloody Stupid $#@!s.

[Kaiser]

This $#@! would never pass in Canada, we don't have the religious/conservative southerners here.

[Cap'n 1time]

heh. i think im the only american mod in this forum. All im going ot say is... its silly... and dont call all of us $#@!s... not all of us are honky ass bible hugging rednecks... just most of the people we vote in seem to be.