Panel Debates Ban On Violent Video Game Sales To Minors

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- A panel of experts says a new Oklahoma law to ban the sale of violent video games to children could be declared unconstitutional.<br/><br/>The law was to go into effect November

Friday, November 17th 2006, 10:37 am

By: News On 6

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- A panel of experts says a new Oklahoma law to ban the sale of violent video games to children could be declared unconstitutional.

The law was to go into effect November 1st but is being blocked by a federal judge while two video game industry groups challenge it's constitutionality on the grounds it infringes on free expression.

The panel discussed the issue at the First Amendment Congress of Oklahoma meeting at Oklahoma State.

The Oklahoma law places violent video games in the same category as pornography and adult nightclubs.

Attorney Andy Lester says lower courts have rejected the idea that violence is obscenity but the US Supreme Court has never addressed the issue.