Poll: 72 Percent of Adults Support California´s Violent Video Game Law
California Political Desk
September 15, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO – A nationwide poll shows that nearly 2/3 of adults support California´s violent video game law, which would prohibit the sale of extremely violent video games to children. The law, authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco), will be considered by the Supreme Court of the United States on November 2.
In 2005, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed the law – Assembly Bill 1179 – to prevent the sale and rental of violent video games that depict serious injury to human beings in a manner that is especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, to persons who are under 18 years of age. Retailers who violated the Act would be liable in an amount up to $1,000 for each violation.
The poll, which was conducted by Zogby International and released by Common Sense Media, surveyed 2,100 adults between August 13 and August 16, 2010.
Key findings of the poll include:
72 Percent of adults support a ban on the sale of ultra-violent video games to minors;
65 percent of parents say that they´re concerned about the impact of ultra-violent video games on their kids;
75 percent of parents would give the video game industry a negative rating when it comes to how they protect kids from violent video games;
"Clearly, parents are looking for a valuable tool in raising healthy kids," said Yee, who is a child psychologist. "I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will help empower parents with the ultimate decision over whether or not their children play in a world of violence and murder. The video game industry should not be allowed to put their profit margins over the rights of parents and the well-being of children."
In April, the high court granted a writ of certiorari (review) of the 2005 law that was struck down in 2009 by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. It is extremely rare for the Supreme Court to accept a case – only 1 percent of the requests filed are granted a review by the Court.
In July, Attorney General Jerry Brown (D-Oakland) submitted the State of California´s written argument and Senator Yee joined the California Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, California, in submitting a brief of amicus curiae or "friend of the court." In addition, eleven other states – Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia – also submitted an amicus brief in support of California´s law.
Senator Yee plans to travel to Washington, D.C. to witness the Attorney General´s office argue the case before the justices.
In 2005, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed the law – Assembly Bill 1179 – to prevent the sale and rental of violent video games that depict serious injury to human beings in a manner that is especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, to persons who are under 18 years of age. Retailers who violated the Act would be liable in an amount up to $1,000 for each violation.
The poll, which was conducted by Zogby International and released by Common Sense Media, surveyed 2,100 adults between August 13 and August 16, 2010.
Key findings of the poll include:
72 Percent of adults support a ban on the sale of ultra-violent video games to minors;
65 percent of parents say that they´re concerned about the impact of ultra-violent video games on their kids;
75 percent of parents would give the video game industry a negative rating when it comes to how they protect kids from violent video games;
"Clearly, parents are looking for a valuable tool in raising healthy kids," said Yee, who is a child psychologist. "I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will help empower parents with the ultimate decision over whether or not their children play in a world of violence and murder. The video game industry should not be allowed to put their profit margins over the rights of parents and the well-being of children."
In April, the high court granted a writ of certiorari (review) of the 2005 law that was struck down in 2009 by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. It is extremely rare for the Supreme Court to accept a case – only 1 percent of the requests filed are granted a review by the Court.
In July, Attorney General Jerry Brown (D-Oakland) submitted the State of California´s written argument and Senator Yee joined the California Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, California, in submitting a brief of amicus curiae or "friend of the court." In addition, eleven other states – Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia – also submitted an amicus brief in support of California´s law.
Senator Yee plans to travel to Washington, D.C. to witness the Attorney General´s office argue the case before the justices.
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