3:41 AM on 01.17.2007
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Nex
![New York is the new Germany; insane legislature crosses the pond [Update!] photo](http://www.destructoid.com/elephant//ul/29309-Grizzly_Bear_Gone_Fishing-1.jpg)
Gamepolitics, by way of Gamasutra, reports on a bill that was proposed on January 3rd by Democrat Keith Wright that comes up with some truly draconic rules for the sale of games. From the article:
[the bill] would prohibit the sale of video games “containing a rating that reflects content of various degrees of profanity, racist stereotypes or derogatory language, and/or actions toward a specific group of persons.” According to the report, such games would require retailers to check customers' identification as a proof that they are aged 30 or above.
Thirty!?1?!?one?!uno?
So, Mr. Wright thinks video games are more dangerous for our society than cigarettes (legal age to purchase in New York State: 18), alcohol (legal age to purchase in New York State: 21), being shot at by foreigners (legal age to enlist in the military: 18), pornography (legal age to purchase/perform: 18) and accidental immolation via faulty wiring on a carpet shampooer (legal age to rent: 25)? I've never wished harm on another human being for the sake of the rest of mankind, but I think we can all agree that Mr. Wright should be eaten by a bear.
[UPDATE: Turns out that Ol' Nexy is a moron. I suppose that's what I get for taking Gamasutra's word on that bill I was talking about above. That quote is from their write up of bill A00547, but the truth is that it seeks to force retailers to ID anyone who doesn't appear to be over the age of thirty; people over the age of 18 can legally purchase any games regardless of sex, violence or any of that other awesome stuff. I dropped the ball. Dreadfully sorry about that, but I still stand by my call for ravenous bears to eat Mr. Wright.]
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Contest:
About New York is the new Germany, don't think the Dutch are too happy with that.
when will people realize that video games are just like the rest of media. Its unfair to compare it to cigarettes, guns, and alcohol. Compare it to movies and music. I can legally buy R rated movies and profane music at age of 8 if I wanted. It is completely legal to do so in the US. The fact remains that pretty much all retailers in the US choose not to sell them to younger kids. Video games are pretty much already self regulating with major chains such at Best Buy, Wal Mart, Gamestop (and all its chaing), Circuit City, Target... all requiring an age of 17 or 18 to buy or rent M rated games.
And yet dumb fucks still look to make video games illegal. Why is the US filled with so many fucking idiots?
01/17/2007 03:49
30 is ridiculous, Imagine being 28 and going a store to buy a game with your dad cus your not old enough. At 21 (18 over here) your a full adult by law so any state/country need to tread them as adults.
Hahahaha, you win today's internet, good sir. I seriously laughed out loud.
I'm not from the US, but for those who are, please do not permit this bill. It's againts any kind of reason.
That said, thirty years old is kinda high and I'm more willing to have content with some censoring and restrictions. I mean I'd rather not hit that mark when gamers will start defending a rape-based videogame as an "acceptable" theme or part of the freedom of expression or some twisted interpretation that keeps moving "the line" til society hits the borders of societal hell (y'know like in those Robocop or Judge Dredd movies). And yes, I do believe what you put out there, whether that be on a personal basis (like swearing around kids) or through the media (games, movies, television, etc.), can affect people's behavior and how they perceive and operate in the world (like conning a good samaritan which makes that person only bitter and become less inclined to be helpful in the future).
From the actual BILL
[i] 1 INDICATING THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS AT LEAST EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. SUCH
2 IDENTIFICATION NEED NOT BE REQUIRED OF ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO REASONABLY
3 APPEARS TO BE AT LEAST THIRTY YEARS OF AGE, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH
4 APPEARANCE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A DEFENSE IN ANY PROCEEDING INVOLVING
5 SALE OR RENTAL OF ANY VIDEO GAME, TO AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS
6 OF AGE.[/i]
You should have to be able read and understand the legistration before you can purchase an "adult game." I'm sorry, Nex. No game porn for you.
I mostly met my comments for Nex. I mean techically it is his "job" to back check things maybe just a little before throwing them up here.
It doesn't take that long to look up the bill using google. I was in the process of doing so when i decided to read the comments first. Thanks Detry for saving me the trouble.
All i'm saying is that before jumping on the "OMG CENSORSHIP IS THE NEW STYLE" bandwagon. MAYBE make sure you have the facts? It's the adult thing to do.
Under Gitlow v. New York, the Supreme Court applied the incorporation doctrine to the 1st Amendment's provisions of free speech and freedom of the press, so that it will basically be the same analysis as if this were a federal statute under fire.
So that means games with a T rating for mild language should be banned for people under 18?
Never will pass.
The idiots who run our country don't seem to get that the courts have ruled video games are protected speech. Just like books, movies and music. Even shitty games like Manhunt.
Bill Text - A00547
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A00547&sh=t
A. 547 2
1 COUNTRY; OR (C) AN IDENTIFICATION CARD ISSUED BY THE UNITED STATES,
2 INDICATING THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS AT LEAST EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE. SUCH
3 IDENTIFICATION NEED NOT BE REQUIRED OF ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO REASONABLY
4 APPEARS TO BE AT LEAST THIRTY YEARS OF AGE, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT SUCH
5 APPEARANCE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A DEFENSE IN ANY PROCEEDING INVOLVING
6 SALE OR RENTAL OF ANY VIDEO GAME, TO AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS
7 OF AGE.
Commentors should also investigate the subject at hand
Pot, meet kettle
I already posted that part of the bill earlier in the thread. :P
Naive.