ESA Responds to Oklahoma Judge's Ruling on Games as Porn Bill

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Oklahoma District Court Judge Robin Cauthron ruled the 2006 Oklahoma bill equating games with porn unconstitutional yesterday, issuing a permanent injunction against the legislation. The Entertainment Software Association has issued a response to Cauthron's ruling, obviously supporting the pro-game industry decision.

"We need to move past unconstitutional attempts to circumvent Oklahoma citizensÂ’ rights. This bill was clearly unconstitutional and we now need to develop a public/private partnership that meets concerned parents' needs," said ESA president Michael Gallagher in an issued statement. "State officials and policymakers should work together with our industry to educate parents about game ratings and the parental controls available on all new video game consoles."

Cauthron based her ruling on the First Amendment protection of video games as creative expression, and said there was "a complete dearth of legislative findings, scientific studies, or other rationale to support passage of the Act." Introduced by Rep. Fred Morgan (R-Oklahoma) in summer of 2006, the bill was halted from taking effect in November after Cauthron issued a primary injunction against it.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    September 18, 2007 3:56 PM

    I wish my state would stay the fuck out of the news. :(

    • reply
      September 18, 2007 4:12 PM

      Norman represent! =p

    • reply
      September 18, 2007 4:28 PM

      Games are porn? Seriously how does this legislation even get started?

      • reply
        September 18, 2007 7:16 PM

        Idiot lawmakers coming up for re-election. They have to make a big splash and get their names in the news.

        This way they can say "Look how much I care about your children." and "my opponent does not support you"

        Bastards.

    • reply
      September 18, 2007 6:07 PM

      yay bible belt

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