On Thursday, the Washington State senate passed legislation that calls for fines of $500 for retailers selling violent video games to minors. Specifically, the measure targets games that depict violence against women and the killing of police officers.
Among the games likely to be restricted by the legislation is "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," one of the hottest-selling titles for Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 2 console. The measure was denounced by Gail Markels, general counsel to the Interactive Digital Software Association, as "a misguided attempt at video game censorship".
The legislation was passed by the Washington state House last month and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Gary Locke.
Moderator's Comment: Is this a situation in which consumers and retailers need the government to step in and set moral standards?
Again, we tackle the debate over the need for government intervention (or intrusion) into our lives -- whether it's in issues of privacy, blue laws, gun sales, advertising to minors…the list goes on. But each situation has it own ethical twists. As a parent, I know sometimes laws make things easier when setting rules for our children. A law in my area actually limits the number of friends young drivers can have in their cars, figuring the distraction causes accidents. When my 17-year old complains, I just say…"Hey, it’s the law." [Rick Moss - Moderator]