Illinois law
In Illinois, federal judge has blocked two laws that would have made it illegal to sell or rent violent or sexually explicit video games to minors reasoning violation of free-speech rights.
illinois district court seal1
U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly said that the laws would have a "chilling effect" on the creation and distribution of video games and issued a permanent injunction blocking the restrictions.
The decision applied to the two Illinois laws which were to go on effect from January 01, 2006. The provisions in the laws meant fines would have been imposed on retailers for violations.
Judge Kennelly completely agreed with the Entertainment Software Association, the Video Software Dealers Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, industry groups that had challenged the laws on constitutional grounds. He said that there wasn't any evidence presented that suggested playing violent video games had lasting effects on aggressive thoughts and behaviour and described the definition of 'sexually explicit' as 'vague'
Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich said that the decision would be appealed. He said; "This battle is not over."
News: CNET News
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