The ESA today revealed that the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has granted its injunction against the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The ESA filed suit in July 2009 against CTA’s Ordinance 008-147, which prohibited the display of advertisements for “M” and “AO” rated games, saying that it violates First Amendment rights. Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer stated in her opinion, “…the advertisements the CTA wishes to ban promote expression that has constitutional value and implicates core First Amendment concerns.”
"This ruling is a win for Chicago's citizens, the video game industry and, above all, the First Amendment," said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. "It is our hope that the CTA sees the futility of pursuing this case further. To do so will waste taxpayer money and government resources. Chicago deserves better and we look forward to bringing this matter to an end."
The CTA's ordiance was in large part a reaction to negative publicity over Grand Theft Auto IV ads being displayed in Chicago's crime ridden south-side.
