Activity is resurfacing around a New York Bill that would relegate games that “glamorize the commission of a violent crime, suicide, sodomy, rape, incest, bestiality, or sado-masochism” to a sealed and locked container in retail or rental outlets.
A meeting in regards to the Bill (A2837) is set for April 27 in front of the New York Assembly Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection. As it was explained to us, this simply means that politicos will gather to discuss the issue in order to appease constituents, all while Johnny Taxpayer foots the bill.
First detailed in early 2009, the “Pandora’s Box” Bill was drafted by Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R). In addition to fines of up to $1,000 for retailers who sale or rent such games to minors, the Bill suggests:
Every person, partnership or corporation engaged in the retail sale or rental of video games shall store and display such video games containing contents listed in subdivision two of this section in a sealed and locked container, behind a service counter in an area inaccessible by the general public, or in any other manner which restricts access to such video games.
Comments
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
Awesome! Government officials have spent taxpayer money to create A2837 to legislate against what, maybe 5 to 10 games published over the last 20 years that were mostly developed in other countries?
We sure there wasn't a more pertinent need for our government officials to work on? Are you sure? Really really sure?
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
violent crime So CSI is Off limits
suicide So 24 is Off limits
rape So a lifetime movie is Off limits
incest So is LOST off limits (Boone and Shannon where step siblings)
bestiality So Twilight is off limits.
I did not put sodomy because it also has to deal with Rape, Incest, and Bestiality
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
I'm not sure what it is in NY, but in places sodomy is "not missionary"
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
I love it when they pass completely unenforcable morality laws like those.
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
Pathetic bill is pathetic
http://www.magicinkgaming.com/
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
Don't they all ready do this to prevent theft? Last I checked in gamestop they have all the new releases behind a glass display behind the counter and every game box in the store doesn't have a CD there.
Although what would this accomplish? That if they keep them in the locked container the kids won't know they exist? I'm sure that'll work great once we get rid of advertising and the internet.
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Debates are like merry go rounds. Two people take their positions then they go through the same points over and over and over again. Then when it's over they have the same positions they started in.
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
Yeah, every retail and rental place in America already has their games locked up to prevent theft. Maybe they also want the display boxes locked away?
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
relegate games that “glamorize the commission of a violent crime, suicide, sodomy, rape, incest, bestiality, or sado-masochism” to a sealed and locked container in retail or rental outlets.
Here is my question: Do they have a similar law for movies, books and music? If not then don't write one targeting games.
E. Zachary Knight
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
http://www.theeca.com/chapters_oklahoma
E. Zachary Knight
Divine Knight Gaming
OK Game Devs
Random Tower
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
So it's perfectly fine if a 5 year old wants to watch Hostel but God forbid a 16 year old play Modern Warfare 2 and Bioshock.
"No law means no law" - Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black on the First Amendment
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
Seems to be their logic.
I still remember hearign abotu churches organizing youth bus trips to see Passion of the christ, despite it being a really violent movie.
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
Well how else do you expect them to get votes, by sticking to the issues, keeping promises and fixing problems? That just crazy commie talk. /sarcasm
Re: NY “Pandora’s Box” VG Bill Still Alive
For those in New York you can write your local elected official and tell them how you feel about this piece of legislation, http://action.theeca.com/t/2858/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2589.
And for those not in New York, you can tell you're friends who are to make sure to speak out, http://action.theeca.com/t/2858/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=1286.
Brett Schenker
Online Advocacy Manager
the ECA
www.theeca.com