Schwarzenegger Signs CA Violent Game Bill into Law
- October 10, 2005 11:04 AM PST
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The ESA deems the bill unconstitutional.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger singed the controversial violent videogames bill AB1179 into law, posing a $1000 fine on any retailer that sells violent videogames to minors.According to Governor Schwarzenegger, who has appeared in two Terminator videogames himself, "What the bill does is get the parents involved in the decision making process". When the bill goes into effect on January 1, 2006, all games must be branded with a plainly visible "18" sticker.
The Governor's approval of the bill is met with strict opposition from the Electronic Software Association, which deems the bill unconstitutional citing First Amendment violation and disregard for "creative expression". ESA president Doug Lowenstein says the law is, "Punitive against retailers, will waster taxpayer dollars, and when it is struck down by the courts...parents will be no better off".
The ESA is currently planning a lawsuit to declare the bill unconstitutional.
