Louisiana games bill becomes law

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has signed into law a bill drafted by anti-videogames campaigner Jack Thompson which is designed to prevent the sale or rental of violent videogames to minors.

Thompson's bill, sponsored by representative Roy Burrell, was unanimously approved by the Senate committee just over a week ago. Under the terms of the legislation, it has become law with immediate effect following the Governor's approval and signature.

Jack Thompson circulated an email regarding the implementation of the new law, which has been published in part by US website Gamepolitics.com.

"This law is constitutional, as it addresses all of the complaints raised by federal courts which have struck down other state video game laws," Thompson stated. "It is unique in its approach, as it borrows a time-tested three-prong approach approved by the US Supreme Court in obscenity cases."

Similar legislation has been struck down in federal court following legal challenges from the Entertainment Software Association, on the grounds of First Amendment protection of expression and a lack of convincing evidence to support claims of the supposed harmful effects of violent videogames on minors.

Whilst the ESA has yet to comment on the Louisiana Governor's decision, it is extremely likely that the new law will be challenged by the trade organisation in the near future.