[/.]Jack Thompson's Utah Bill Passes Legislature

1038 Views 26 Replies 22 Participants Last post by Drackula2000, Mar 16, 2009

The Bartender Paradox

Discussion Starter · Mar 15, 2009

Quote:

Ars Technica reports that the Utah State Senate and House have both passed Jack Thompson's proposed legislation that would stiffen penalties for the sale of M-rated games to minors. Oddly, on its trip through the state legislature, amendments rendered it largely ineffective; retailers are in the clear if the employee who sold the game goes through a training program, or if the minor misrepresents his age. It's also possible that the bill could cause some retailers to simply take down their ESRB-related advertising. Thompson's statements about the bill put the focus on advertising, but discussion on the Utah Senate floor had a familiar ring, touching on the story of a Grand Theft Auto player who killed two policemen in 2003. The ESRB wrote an open letter in opposition of the bill, saying it could undo the efforts they've made to popularize their rating system. The bill's sponsors fired back, questioning the industry's overall commitment to ratings, and now it awaits only the governor's signature before becoming law.

1 - 20 of 27 Posts

AlphaDog11790

· #2 · Mar 15, 2009

Cant believe this guy is still around.

redsunx

· #3 · Mar 15, 2009

So what they're saying is...Jack Thompson accomplished nothing?

Awesome!

gamer11200

· #4 · Mar 15, 2009

According to that little tidbit in the OP,

Quote:

The ESRB wrote an open letter in opposition of the bill, saying it could undo the efforts they've made to popularize their rating system. The bill's sponsors fired back, questioning the industry's overall commitment to ratings

the ESRB, the makers of the game rating system, are opposed to this bill. LOL

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RaBidRaBit

· #5 · Mar 15, 2009

I swear that Utah forgets that they are part of a free country. They love being as restrictive as possible. They are just now changing their ridiculous alcohol laws.

Reactions: 1

Licht

· #6 · Mar 15, 2009

When even the ESRB thinks you are wrong, it's time to give up.

legoman786

· #7 · Mar 16, 2009

Oh the things I would love to do to Mr. Thompson, if given the chance.

Licht

· #8 · Mar 16, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by legoman786

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Oh the things I would love to do to Mr. Thompson, if given the chance.

And prove him right in the eyes of the public in the process.

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C-bro

· #9 · Mar 16, 2009

Honestly, how bad is this? As far as I know, this law goes further to prevent M-rated games from reaching the hands of minors. Why, exactly, is this a bad thing? It does not affect the game content, it does not affect people who are of legal age, it simply goes further in preventing (I use the term loosely) children from getting their hands on something they shouldn't have. If they doubled the penalties for people who sell porn and alcohol to minors, would there be this much of a fuss?

Ziox

· #10 · Mar 16, 2009

I cant believe he's still around also. I live in Utah and trust me, they have a law for every thing, even car horns. Living in Utah sucks...

Licht

· #11 · Mar 16, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-bro

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Honestly, how bad is this? As far as I know, this law goes further to prevent M-rated games from reaching the hands of minors. Why, exactly, is this a bad thing? It does not affect the game content, it does not affect people who are of legal age, it simply goes further in preventing (I use the term loosely) children from getting their hands on something they shouldn't have. If they doubled the penalties for people who sell porn and alcohol to minors, would there be this much of a fuss?

You as a parent wouldn't be insulted if you were taken to court for deciding your child was allowed to play these games? Essentially the bill says you don't have the right to chose what is right for your child, the state does.

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TestECull

· #12 · Mar 16, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-bro

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Honestly, how bad is this? As far as I know, this law goes further to prevent M-rated games from reaching the hands of minors. Why, exactly, is this a bad thing? It does not affect the game content, it does not affect people who are of legal age, it simply goes further in preventing (I use the term loosely) children from getting their hands on something they shouldn't have. If they doubled the penalties for people who sell porn and alcohol to minors, would there be this much of a fuss?

Probably.

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Drizzt5

· #13 · Mar 16, 2009

Well as long as he doesn't bring his crap to New Jersey IDC.

Cesaro Summability

· #14 · Mar 16, 2009

Who cares it's Utah.

A-E-I-Owned-You

· #15 · Mar 16, 2009

lol kinda seems like they just passed it to shut him up but pretty much defeated the entire purpose of it altogether in the same move. GG. Maybe he will give up?

Doubtful.

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nathris

· #16 · Mar 16, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cesaro Summability

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Who cares it's Utah.

/thread.

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mrtn400

· #17 · Mar 16, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-bro

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Honestly, how bad is this? As far as I know, this law goes further to prevent M-rated games from reaching the hands of minors. Why, exactly, is this a bad thing? It does not affect the game content, it does not affect people who are of legal age, it simply goes further in preventing (I use the term loosely) children from getting their hands on something they shouldn't have. If they doubled the penalties for people who sell porn and alcohol to minors, would there be this much of a fuss?

That, sir, is your opinion, and it isn't anyone's right to force their opinion on other people's children.

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Sacre

· #18 · Mar 16, 2009

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Originally Posted by legoman786

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Oh the things I would love to do to Mr. Thompson, if given the chance.

Would it involve strawberries and whipped cream?

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dieanotherday

· #19 · Mar 16, 2009

i actually support preventing kids from viewing violent media.

Sacre

· #20 · Mar 16, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieanotherday

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i actually support preventing kids from viewing violent media.

Good, then when you have kids you'll take responsibility for what they have access to, and not rely on a rating system that doesn't take your personal morals and beliefs into an account.

Teen for one family is Mature for another family. Seriously, start policing your kids, it's not the government's job.

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1 - 20 of 27 Posts

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