Conan himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, signed into law a bill
restricting the sale and rental of ultra-violent video games to
minors. Arnold joins governors in Illinois and Michigan in
putting through this law.
Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Common Sense Video Game Bill Into Law
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 2005--California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger on Friday joined a growing movement of parents
and legislators across the nation by signing into law a bill
restricting the sale and rental of ultra-violent video games to minors.
California AB 1179, which was authored by Assembly Speaker pro Tem
Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/Daly City) and supported by Common Sense
Media, will go into effect on January 1, 2006.
"We applaud Governor Schwarzenegger for signing this landmark
legislation," said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media. "Even
though he's a major figure in the entertainment industry, he's a father
first. In that role, the Governor understands that ultra-violent and
sexually violent media content is harmful to kids' development."
In signing the bill, Schwarzenegger joined governors Rod Blagojevich of
Illinois and Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, who recently signed similar
legislation in their states, in addressing the serious public health
threat posed by minors' use of violent video games. Studies have
consistently found that minors who play such games are likely to become
desensitized to violence, less empathetic toward others, and more
aggressive.
Common Sense Media worked closely with leading
constitutional scholars on the drafting of AB 1179, and is currently
working with legislators from across the country to support bills like
the one passed in California. Lawmakers in seven other states and the
District of Columbia are considering similar bills that would keep
violent games away from children.
"Graphic and
sexually-charged media violence needs to be seen for what it is -- a
threat as dangerous to our kids as tobacco use or underage drinking,"
Steyer said. "At Common Sense, we believe in sanity, not censorship.
And it is eminently sane to change the way violent games are marketed
and sold to kids. It's only common sense to keep our kids safe from the
proven effects of video violence."
Common Sense Media is the
leading unaffiliated, non-profit organization dedicated to improving
kids' media lives. Common Sense provides trustworthy, easy to use
information about kids' media -- including detailed reviews and ratings
on-line, news and research, media literacy tools, and parenting tips --
enabling parents and educators to make informed decisions about the
media their children consume.
