Oklahoma set to pass law against violent videogames

A new law proposed by an Oklahoma senator to restrict the sale of videogames with violent content in the state has cleared its final legal hurdle, and is set to be signed by the Governor this week.

Bill HB 3004 was passed unanimously by the Oklahoma House last Wednesday, following a final hearing to accept Senate amendments. Governor Brad Henry is expected to sign the bill into law within the next five days.

HB 3004 was introduced by Republican representative Fred Morgan, who told TV station KSBI that he was "delighted" the bill has been passed. It's a move that he believes is "crucial for support of Oklahoma's cherished family values."

"We're not dealing with Pac Man anymore. These games allow players to take on the role of killers in some cases, allow players to steal money and kill prostitutes," Morgan continued.

"In this day and age, games are becoming far more graphic, and manufacturers are getting even more sophisticated in the way they market these games to children."

"The psychological research is overwhelming for the harm these games can pose to children... Exposure to these games creates an anti-social environment."