Illinois governor to appeal violent games bill ruling

In response to the court ruling which deemed the Illinois violent videogames law as unconstitutional and prevented its implementation, Governor Rod R. Blagojevitch has vowed to appeal against the decision.

Challenging the supporting research, which has also been used to back similar bills in several different US states, the Entertainment Software Association successfully argued that the proposed law was both unconstitutionally vague and supported by unsubstantial evidence.

Following the ruling by Judge Kennelly, which will prevent the law being implemented, Blagojevitch issued a statement confirming his intention to appeal.

"This battle is not over," Blagojevitch commented, adding "Parents should be able to expect that their kids will not have access to excessively violent and sexually explicit video games without their permission."

Had the ESA been unsuccessful in blocking the implementation of the law, Illinois retailers would be banned from selling or renting violent and/or sexually explicit videogames to minors, and would be liable for fines of up to USD 1000 for breaking the law. In addition, stores would be obliged to display large signs explaining the industry's self regulatory ratings system from the ESRB.

“This crusade against violent video games is something a lot of parents are going to want to participate in, and express their views on the appropriateness of merchants who would peddle pornographic and violent garbage to their kids," Blagojevitch added.

The governor intends to launch a renewed appeal against the decision, involving parents and other campaigners at grass roots level and threatening to 'stigmatise' retailers who fail to regulate themselves appropriately.