FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2005

Contact: Brad Snavely
(517) 374-1171, ext. 104

Michigan Family Forum Applauds Governor for Signing Violent Video Game Legislation

Video Entertainment Industry Puts Profits Before Kids

LANSING, Mich. –– Michigan Family Forum (MFF), a statewide family policy organization, today applauded Governor Jennifer Granholm for signing four bills to protect children from the effects of violent video games. The bills would punish retailers with fines and possible prison time if they knowingly sell or rent such videos to minors. One of the bills would also require retailers to post or make available information about the current voluntary video game ratings system.

“MFF was pleased to be involved in the development of this legislation, and we are grateful that the Governor agrees that kids should be protected from violent and sexually explicit images in video games,” said Executive Director Brad Snavely. “Researchers, as well as organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) all agree that violent images impact children’s behavior.”

Officials with at least two entertainment industry groups have been quoted as saying they will challenge the new legislation in Court. They have successfully overturned similar bills in three other states based on First Amendment free speech rights.

“We were cognizant of what had happened in other states when we helped develop these bills,” said Snavely. “We’re confident they will hold up against a First Amendment challenge. What is really sad is that these industry executives would put their profits above protecting kids from a well-documented harmful influence.”

The video game industry claims that its current voluntary ratings system is effective in keeping violent and sexually explicit games away from minors. However, a recent investigation in Michigan found that 26 of 58 stores that were monitored sold or rented games with an “M” (Mature) rating to minors – some as young as nine years old.

“Obviously their ‘ratings system’ is not working if a nine-year old is able to purchase Grand Theft Auto,” said Snavely. Grand Theft Auto has several depictions of violence, death, and scantily-clad women. “Protecting kids from harmful material should be our highest priority,” he added. “Hopefully the Courts will agree.”

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