In the eyes of gamers, California State Senator Leland Yee could easily be viewed as "the enemy". Senator Yee was the author of CA Assembly Bill 1179. Signed into law two years ago by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the law was designed to criminalize the sale of video games containing "harmful" material to minors, as well as require retailers to post the rating system and have brochures detailing the ratings available at stores for parents. The law was struck down as being unconstitutional in California District Court two months after being signed, keeping it from taking effect. Now the state is looking to appeal the court ruling and revive the law.

Game Almighty recently had the chance to speak with Senator Yee about his views on the validity of AB 1179, as well as his views on everything from the effectiveness of the ESRB, and the place AO games have in the market, to the movie industry and their rating standards in relation to games. His answers might just surprise you.

Game Almighty: Being responsible for AB 1179, the California law which was designed to restrict and penalize the distribution of certain games in order to protect minors, many people both in and out of the gaming community began to view you as opposed to the industry on the whole. Do you believe this is an accurate representation?

Senator Yee: No, not at all. First, I am strong supporter of the First Amendment, in fact I recently authored legislation to expand media rights as well as allow college journalists to publish without fear of censorship or prior restraint by school administrators. AB 1179 did not prohibit the manufacturing, sale, or distribution of any games. It simply prohibited the sale of the most violent video games to minors. I am especially impressed with the industry’s creativity and strongly support their ability to make and sell any game, but believe that ultra-violent games should not be sold to children.

GA: What, if any, do you think are the misconceptions about what AB 1179 was trying to accomplish?

Sen. Yee: As stated in your previous question – some individuals feel it was an attack on all games or prohibiting the sale of a certain type of game to all people. AB 1179 was narrowly tailored and would not have prohibited sale or manufacturing of games. In fact, if the industry is honest in saying these ultra violent games are not sold to children, they would not have even been affected financially. If kids are able to buy them, which I am certain they are, they may lose out on those sales. But no one should be making a profit on the backs of our children anyhow.