The Entertainment Software Association, a U.S. trade association that owns and operates the ESRB and E3, has responded to California's recently submitted argument to pass a law that would prohibit the sale of violent videogames to minors.
Michael Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, issued a brief statement saying the proposed law is "clearly unconstitutional" and that the association will present its argument to the Supreme Court.
"Computer and video games are First Amendment protected speech. There is an unbroken chain of more than a dozen previous court rulings agreeing," Gallagher said. "Courts across the country recognize that computer and video games, like other protected expression such as movies, books, and music, have an artistic viewpoint, and use sounds and images to create an experience and immerse the player in art."
"That is why other courts have unanimously affirmed that video games are entitled to the same constitutional protection as movies, music, books, and other forms of art," he added.
"California's law is no different than others before it. It is clearly unconstitutional under First Amendment principles. We look forward to presenting our arguments in the Supreme Court of the United States and vigorously defending the works of our industry's creators, storytellers and innovators."
The court hearing is scheduled to take place later this fall.
From: IGN
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