gamepolitics: Who Needs Ratings? Total Ban on Violent Games Proposed in TN

Game Politics (

gamepolitics) wrote,
@ 2006-03-09 00:24:00

Entry tags:

legislation, les winningham, tennessee, tommy kilby

Who Needs Ratings? Total Ban on Violent Games Proposed in TN

Don't blink. You read that headline correctly.

As reported by WATE-6, Knoxville, Tennessee State Sen. Tommy Kilby (D, at left)) has proposed legislation that, in its current form, would make it a crime to sell or rent what it terms "extremely violent" games to anyone, of any age.

Kilby told the T.V. station he wrote SB3981 after receiving feedback from parents and police. Fellow Democrat Les Winningham has proposed an identical bill, HB4053, in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

WATE-6 spoke to one very annoyed 32-year-old gamer. Dave Roland said, "This is not the place of legislature to choose what I as a 32-year-old male am able to play."

GP: Kilby's bill was just introduced last week. There will certainly be time to amend its specification as to age. But it's rather troubling to see it even proposed in its current total ban fashion. The GP Legislation Tracker has been updated to reflect the new bill.

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(Post a new comment)

	ssalamanderr 2006-03-09 01:47 am UTC (link)
	Hah! Good luck getting that passed. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	j010101011001 2006-03-09 01:51 am UTC (link)
	More like - Hah! Good luck getting that by the Supreme Court. The problem is, between when the bill passes and when the law is struck down, the state Attorney General will actually honor it. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) -

turbinerocks, 2006-03-09 02:15 am UTC

(no subject) -

j010101011001, 2006-03-09 03:43 am UTC

ha yea right -

gatz111085, 2006-03-09 05:57 am UTC

constitution? -

kfrosty, 2006-03-09 02:19 pm UTC

	HAHAHAHAHA l0que 2006-03-09 01:50 am UTC (link)
	Wow. Good luck. I hope he tries. I can hear his political career flushing down the toilet now. ...Soccer moms like that politicians care that they are willing to sacrifise the rights of their CHILD to keep them away from this stuff, but when they take it away from the soccer moms as well... ...It's over. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: HAHAHAHAHA kfrosty 2006-03-09 02:17 pm UTC (link)
	This proposal sounds like the crap that Jack "Videogames Raped me" Thompson would BS about. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Someone get me his email mrpat___ 2006-03-09 01:52 am UTC (link)
	I have a letter to write. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Someone get me his email pixelante_ninja 2006-03-09 02:06 am UTC (link)
	sen.tommy.kilby@legislature.state.tn.us there ya go (Reply to this) (Parent)

endless_day
2006-03-09 01:56 am UTC (link)

Actually I *did* have to blink, because I did read the headline wrong the first time around. I thought he was trying to ban ALL video games, period.

Anyway yeah, this is even dumber than that one guy who wanted to put a tax on video games. I actually can't see this one passing, even if it does it obviously will get struck down by hte supreme court, so no big deal.

By the way, is it just me or does he look like some sort of robot that shoots lasers out of his eyes?

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	i_iv_v 2006-03-09 02:28 am UTC (link)
	He looks like one of those evangelists on one of the Christian channels trying to get people to "donate" him money. This bill won't pass but just keep in mind every one that reads here that if we as gamers don't take a stand against such stuff and represent we are better than what JT and his pos followers portrays us as, we will never win. (Reply to this) (Parent)

didn't you read it? -

enmitywithin, 2006-03-09 12:11 pm UTC

Read more carefully -

beacon80, 2006-03-09 05:30 pm UTC

(no subject) -

jindewinter, 2006-03-09 03:27 pm UTC

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theonereason, 2006-03-09 05:26 pm UTC

(no subject) -

tabor_tooth, 2006-03-11 12:40 am UTC

(no subject) -

mrfalcon, 2006-03-09 11:37 pm UTC

	attackgypsy 2006-03-09 01:59 am UTC (link)
	pulls out the large rubber stamp, and smothers it with ink UNCONSTITUTIONAL! puts the stamp away Next! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	HEY, THATS MY LINE yukimurasanada 2006-03-09 03:55 am UTC (link)
	LOL Gyspy, you copy cat. (Reply to this) (Parent)

(no subject) -

baconninja, 2006-03-09 04:27 am UTC

(no subject) -

goodrobotus, 2006-03-09 04:37 am UTC

THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK -

yukimurasanada, 2006-03-09 05:51 am UTC

Re: THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK -

baconninja, 2006-03-09 12:23 pm UTC

Re: THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK -

bigman_k, 2006-03-09 04:02 pm UTC

	Haha pixelante_ninja 2006-03-09 02:00 am UTC (link)
	well this is what you get when you let people from Tennessee in the governement, bunch of extremists if I ever saw em (I mean no offense to anyone from Tennessee, I have family there and have a certain distaste for the state.) (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Haha burntouttech 2006-03-09 04:15 pm UTC (link)
	I am now officially ashamed to live in the once great state of Tennessee. And it has a very good shot of getting passed, the state is rife with political bribeing, ethical violations, and a lot of that comes out of the place where this guy is from. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Wow... howdoyouplead 2006-03-09 02:09 am UTC (link)
	What a complete idiot. This will do nothing but hurt the state's economy because people will just buy their games online. Also, some one should suggest to him to read a book called "Fahrenheit 451." (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Wow... beardoggx 2006-03-09 02:45 am UTC (link)
	Or go across state lines into Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, or South Carolina. Another book that retard should read is "1984". (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: Wow... -

tollwutig, 2006-03-09 02:03 pm UTC

	jargon_john 2006-03-09 02:17 am UTC (link)
	I thought the Democrats were suppose to be the ones in favour of free speech? Since when did they hop on the bandwagon on banning stuff? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	beardoggx 2006-03-09 02:48 am UTC (link)
	When it became politically convenient. All but a handful of politicans that propose this anti-1st Amendment garbage have been Democrats. In fact, since this dead issue first came up, it was Democrats shedding the crocodile tears. (Reply to this) (Parent)

(no subject) -

rhandhali, 2006-03-09 03:00 am UTC

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chrisswiss83, 2006-03-09 07:51 am UTC

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markusdragon, 2006-03-09 09:00 am UTC

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jargon_john, 2006-03-09 12:59 pm UTC

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kfrosty, 2006-03-09 02:22 pm UTC

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xlorep_darkhelm, 2006-03-09 05:34 pm UTC

(no subject) -

brendanthejedi, 2006-03-09 08:17 pm UTC

	While we are at it! lost_watcher 2006-03-09 02:41 am UTC (link)
	Lets ban booze, Violent movies, commericals, tv shows, and pokemon! (Cause they fight and fighting is violent) (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: While we are at it! gatz111085 2006-03-09 02:48 am UTC (link)
	No they won't try to ban TV and Movies, you can't interact with TV and Movies. I'm sure this guy would try to ban booze, and he probly doesn't know what the hell a pokemon is. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: While we are at it! -

anticron, 2006-03-09 03:07 am UTC

Ban Milk! -

kfrosty, 2006-03-09 02:23 pm UTC

Re: Ban Milk! -

citizenkane86, 2006-03-09 03:28 pm UTC

Re: While we are at it! -

semperar, 2006-03-09 03:06 am UTC

Re: While we are at it! -

anticron, 2006-03-09 03:10 am UTC

Re: While we are at it! -

cactusjack1999, 2006-03-09 03:39 am UTC

Re: While we are at it! -

beacon80, 2006-03-09 05:34 pm UTC

Re: While we are at it! -

jindewinter, 2006-03-09 03:31 pm UTC

Re: While we are at it! -

father_time89, 2006-03-09 11:30 pm UTC

	cyn1c42 2006-03-09 02:45 am UTC (link)
	Someone forgot the precedents of Miller v. California and American Book Sellers Association v. Hudnut. (All violence in media is protected speech under the 1st amendment) (Reply to this)

	Crackpots Everywhere gatz111085 2006-03-09 02:46 am UTC (link)
	There are always crackpots around us wanting a police state, personally I think the guy is upset because he's ugly, and he knows it. Have you noticed how far apart his eyes are, I wonder if they even make glasses with frames that wide. He looks like a cow with that dead stare that pretty much says "I lack IQ" as it chews away at it's grazz. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Crackpots Everywhere snakeshell 2006-03-09 03:23 am UTC (link)
	my thoughts exactly. I actually thought he looked a bit more like he used to be a grandma... (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

Re: Crackpots Everywhere -

gatz111085, 2006-03-09 05:55 am UTC

	gomibako_chan 2006-03-09 03:06 am UTC (link)
	I'm somewhat dumbfounded that there'd be someone out there that would actually attempt to put up this law. Maybe that's his plan. Shock everyone into speechlessness, and then continue unopposed... (Reply to this)

wedgetalon
2006-03-09 03:07 am UTC (link)

Aw man, this is my state. :( Well, at least I'm a constituent and can write a letter. *sigh*

Here's a thought, since this seems to be so popular, why don't we as the GamePolitics community write a sort of "form" letter that we who are effected by bills can personalise and send to our senator/whomever? Much like the EFF does for their 'action items' (or whatever they call them). Anyone with me?
Dennis, would you host this letter if it were written? I'd be willing to do a little bit in HTML for you to put up on your site to assist users in personalising. Also include stuff about contact info and where to send it. Heck, if I can use php or asp, I'll even make it so you can send an email.

Anyone?

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	kfrosty 2006-03-09 02:33 pm UTC (link)
	Dude, I doubt that this sort of thing would ever happen, and if such ever did, Id be the first to go to every site willing to post your letter and make it happen (only cuz i dont really have a site of my own other than myspace) (Reply to this) (Parent)

(no subject) -

beacon80, 2006-03-09 05:37 pm UTC

	imahori 2006-03-09 03:23 am UTC (link)
	Stop wasting time and money on this bullshit, especially when you already know it's bullshit! Fuck. (Reply to this)

	Scary blitzfitness 2006-03-09 03:24 am UTC (link)
	Anyone else find themselves a little afraid of that blind stare in that picture. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Scary bluebassguy 2006-03-09 04:22 pm UTC (link)
	that guy's got an intense stare/bad haircut combo that could rival our canadian prime minister, only question is, who is who's evil twin? (Reply to this) (Parent)

WTF!!!!

bigman_k
2006-03-09 03:44 am UTC (link)

I find it funny that over time despite the fact that they get struck down over and over again, these anti-gaming bills get worse and worse in what they cover, and the punishment for breaking them. The original bills from 4 or 5 years ago were only like a $100 to $200 dollar fine. But now the bills have like a $5000 to $10000 fine and even jail time (up to 3-1/2 years in one state) for breaking them. I wouldn't be suprised if we sone enough see an anti-gaming law that gives the death penalty for selling a violent video game.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	Flails! chadius 2006-03-09 02:33 pm UTC (link)
	Yeah, these bills are getting more and more insane. Just politician, desperately flailing for votes... Can't wait for this year's election. Then they can try to ban...oh I don't know...the color purple. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Fire Bombs xryokus 2006-03-09 03:55 am UTC (link)
	While we are at it, we can burn down some churches? Or maybe an act of genocide? Honestly, and I thought fascism was dead... foolish me. I know, just like everyone else, that this will not pass. However, the fact that someone is trying to do this is disturbing. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Fire Bombs sprngpilot 2006-03-09 07:45 am UTC (link)
	Fascism is dead. Fascists, it would appear, are still around. People like this would love to see a state where thought is regulated, books are burned, and anything deemed "unfit" is banned immediately. Luckily for us these people never get much support, no matter how scared the soccer moms get. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Note to self: viridiscervus 2006-03-09 04:24 am UTC (link)
	Do not mail senators while angry. I asked if he was out of his freaking gourd. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Note to self: beardoggx 2006-03-09 04:29 am UTC (link)
	Well, he is out of his mind, so if he can't handle the truth, that's his problem. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	veemonkamiya 2006-03-09 04:29 am UTC (link)
	He looks like TV's Frank. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	viridiscervus 2006-03-09 04:31 am UTC (link)
	You know what? He does. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) -

keddren, 2006-03-09 01:41 pm UTC

	kurisu7885 2006-03-09 04:38 am UTC (link)
	I can't wait till JT claims responsibility for this one. Also, I see this as only a pre emptive strike. I woudln't be surprised if this got and they said "alright ,now for the rest of 'em." If poeple liek this had their way, we'd all still be playing games with like 8 bit graphics and al lthere would be arel ame little Sesame Street games. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	lost_watcher 2006-03-09 04:43 am UTC (link)
	Do not diss the 8bit games. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

No school like the old school -

beacon80, 2006-03-09 05:46 pm UTC

(no subject) -

beardoggx, 2006-03-09 04:45 am UTC

	goodrobotus 2006-03-09 04:42 am UTC (link)
	You would have thought Politicians, of all people, would be trying to be, you know, constitutional? Maybe even communicate with each other? Possibly attempt to talk to the people they are disciminating against? Naaaa.. Votes are more important than actually doing your job like a responsible representative of the people! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	lost_watcher 2006-03-09 04:44 am UTC (link)
	Well, its election year... so many are trying to get there community reputation up. But on the other hand others are chucking it out the window. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	ddrmuchacho 2006-03-09 04:49 am UTC (link)
	Gee, let's try prohibition again while we're at it. n00b. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	jindewinter 2006-03-09 03:33 pm UTC (link)
	lol I am all for making an underground syndicate to get video games to people. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) -

ddrmuchacho, 2006-03-09 06:18 pm UTC

This is just sad...

braindead1
2006-03-09 04:54 am UTC (link)

Really it is. I mean come on...ALL games to ALL users that meet a extreamly vauge "extreamly violent"...now is that QUAKE violent (fighting the borg) Doom violent (fighting demons) or GTA violent (fighting cops and robbers respectivly)? Seriously. Is Doom violence okay, but Quake violence bad?

how is a consumer to know. Mabey, becasue the Strogg look kind of humains and the various demons and nastys in Doom don't look remotly humain, we should ban Quake and not Doom. Or you could argue that an imp might have feelings too (i mean they even come with a night light...that they throw at you).

Or you could just burn the constitution while your at it...

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: This is just sad... sprngpilot 2006-03-09 07:51 am UTC (link)
	"I mean come on...ALL games to ALL users that meet a extreamly vague 'extreamly violent'..." I'm sure he's counting on that. If he doesn't define "violent" then the law could, in theory, ban anything politicians don't like. It would give complete power to arbitrarily censor any game they saw fit. Scary, no? (Reply to this) (Parent)

	nowherecaitsy 2006-03-09 05:01 am UTC (link)
	Wow. This is absolutely and completely ludicrous. I really just don't understand the lunacy of some of these politicians. Why don't they get it? P.S.- Guys, I know his legislation blows, but making fun of his appearance is just mean spirited. It makes me sad to read the mean-ness of some of the comments. D: (Reply to this)

Oh MY...

shaun_skipper
2006-03-09 05:08 am UTC (link)

Well,... I truly wonder how it is that someone so incredibly ignorant ever got elected. I cannot recall that I have ever heard of legislation so grossly unconstitutional. A bill like this is unconstitutional on its face. Period. End of Story. Even more so than the bunk passed in California.
I do disagree with the Courts some of the time, but I have enough faith in them to say that I could never fathom that ANY COURT would hold Constitutional, a bill that so grossly flies in the face of our Constitution and a basic freedom in the FIRST amendment.
I think gross stupidity should be a crime. If it were then maybe this gross incompetence, (that I, by the way, find insulting), would be a thing of the past. Unfortunately (and fortunately if you get technical), there is no possible way to punish legislators for being complete and utter imbeciles. Luckily, the Courts have our back and can protect us from this unmitigated idiocy.

Yeah... this proves that stupidity should be painful.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: Oh MY... luckykaa 2006-03-09 09:18 am UTC (link)
	I think there's some sort of tactical plan here. He wants to pass the law to show he's pro-family and anti violence. When it gets shot down in the courts, he can start bitching about "activist judges" subverting the will of the people. (Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)