Michigan ponders violent game legislation

The state of Michigan has joined in the ever-growing debate on videogame violence regarding who should police the sale of Mature rated game titles in America, and if a new law should be passed.

In yet more fallout to the Hot Coffee scandal started by a reaction to the adult content seen in Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, Michigan Democrats are now calling for Take-Two to recall the PlayStation 2 title and for retailers to continue to pull it from their shelves.

According to The Associated Press, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm sent a letter to approximately 60 retailers imploring them to implement policies to refuse the sale of Adult Only rated games. A panel in Michigan House is reportedly analysing legislation enforcing these desires, to help withstand any challenge provided by the gaming industry.

Michigan has already seen Senator Hansen Clarke's Bill 249, passed by the Senate in May 2005, which bars the sale or rental of M and AO rated titles to under 18s, an offence punishable by imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of USD 5,000, or both. Recently, there has been a drive to build public support for the Bill, with a web site petition showing a montage of violent videogame footage.

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