Your editorial (“Game case a good spot for limit on free speech,” April 28) ignores the dangerous impact the California law that prohibits minors from buying certain kinds of video games has on First Amendment rights.

Video games have the same constitutional protections as books, movies and other art forms. If the California law stands, why not prohibit showings of “Schindler’s List,” with its depictions of Nazi violence? Or “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” with its discussion of racism and sexual violence?

The rationale that video games cause violent behavior is undermined by scientific research. Also, the Ninth Circuit Court, whose ruling the Supreme Court will now review, found no link between video games and violence.

The industry operates under a ratings system, which was praised by the Federal Trade Commission and provides parents with the information they need to make the right purchasing decisions.

Parents should make decisions on what is suitable for their children, not government.

 


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