With the 7-2 ruling in favor of the gaming industry, the Supreme Court affirmed that gaming is indeed eligible for first amendment protection rights. Brown vs. Entertainment Merchants Association resulted in the striking of the California law banning the sale of violent video games to anyone under 18.
That decision has disappointed California Senator Leland Yee, sponsor to the original Bill. His statements regarding today’s decision placed blame on the Supreme Court for taking up corporate interests, rather than the interests of children everywhere.
“Unfortunately, the majority of the Supreme Court once again put the interests of corporate America before the interests of our children,” said Yee. “As a result of their decision, Wal-Mart and the video game industry will continue to make billions of dollars at the expense of our kids’ mental health and the safety of our community. It is simply wrong that the video game industry can be allowed to put their profit margins over the rights of parents and the well-being of children.”
He adds that “While we did not win today, I am certain that this eight year legislative and legal battle has raised the consciousness of this issue for many parents and grandparents, and has forced the video game industry to do a better job at appropriately rating these games.”
