Bayh To Back Bill Targeting Violent Video Game Sales

wsbt.com ^ | 12 5 05 | wsbt.com

[freepatriot32]

WSBT/AP) Senator Evan Bayh says he’ll introduce legislation designed to prevent minors under age 17 from buying violent video games.

The Indiana Democrat says there's growing evidence that such games increase aggressive behavior in children.

He says the bill would prohibit anyone under age 17 from purchasing M-rated games without the express consent of a parent. M-rated games are those that under a video industry rating system should only be sold to players 17 or older.

“There is growing evidence that exposure to graphic violence does have consequences in terms of anger hostility and violent behavior on our children,” Bayh said Thursday during a stop in South Bend. “That is something that is not good for our kids, not good for our families.”

Bayh says his legislation might also include fines up to $1000 against stores that would violate such a law. Democratic Senators Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Hillary Clinton of New York are backing a similar proposal.

[inquest]

Oh yeah, that's one of Congress's powers...

[freepatriot32]

Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here

[Dan from Michigan]

What business is this of the feds? None.10th amendment.

[pcottraux]

He says the bill would prohibit anyone under age 17 from purchasing M-rated games without the express consent of a parent.

The very next sentence says:

M-rated games are those that under a video industry rating system should only be sold to players 17 or older.

Is this a bill that will really do something that is already done?

[paudio]

I don't understand why violent video games has become Democrats' issue, while Republicans don't seem to pay attention to it. After all, conservatives/Republicans like to complain about cultural issue.

[SJSAMPLE]

The original intent was voluntary, but it is rarely enforced at the retail level.

But previous posters are right.
This is no business of the federal gubment.

[NeoCaveman]

He's running for POTUS

[tfecw]

"Is this a bill that will really do something that is already done"

Naw, with the bill the government will be able to extract money from folks who violate the recommended rating system.


As a side note, i wonder what this dim thinks about parental notification of an abortion for children under the age 17.

[Paradox]

I guess he is talking about that video game "Sista Soulja".

[Calusa]

It'll get him 15 seconds of liberal sanctimony on the MSM tonight. That's never been done before.

[mlc9852]

Because we like to pretend we're shooting at the Democrats!

[absolootezer0]

it will make the game ratings more like movie ratings. currently you can get in trouble for selling/ rent r, nc17 and x rated movies to minors, but video game rating are only suggestions.

[pcottraux]

Hopefully, then, it will be a much better system than the morally adrift MPAA.

[lovecraft]

The kids wouldn't have the money to buy the games if the parents don't give it to them.

[auto power]

....so Evan....give us your thoughts on the war in Iraq....

[johnny7]

What a-holes.

How about sealing the borders & winning the 'fu_kin war!!!

[jmaroneps37]

Oh NO!!!!!! This means he'll run for president and win!!!!!
Yeah right!
Just another pile of rat droppings.

[absolootezer0]

unlikely, it will probably get more liberal, but will be consistant. currently, it doesn't matter what ratings are on there, since there's nothing to stop a 13 year old from buying an M rated game, and having the m makes it more desirable to some people.

[Sonny M]

As a side note, i wonder what this dim thinks about parental notification of an abortion for children under the age 17.

I think Evan Bayh is in favor of it.