By: Phillip Miner
Anti-game lawyer Jack Thompson is on the move again, and this time it looks like he has a state legislature behind him, or at least believing his rhetoric. The state senate for the state of Louisiana has recently passed, by unanimous vote, a game restriction bill that has been co-authored by Jack Thompson and state Representative Roy Burrell (D-District 2). This leaves one more step before the bill becomes law in Louisiana: the signing of it into law by the Louisiana governor.
Under the law, a game would become illegal to sell, rent, or lease to a minor if it meets three conditions. The conditions are: first, if the "average person" would think that it "appeals to the minor's morbid interest in violence." Second, if it "depicts violence in a manner patently offensive to prevailing standards." Lastly, a game would qualify if it "lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors."
The Entertainment Software Association is expected to sue to challenge the bill on the grounds of unconstitutionality. Stay tuned with MyGamer as more news develops regarding this First Amendment battle.
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