Tennessee pondering violent-game ban

Democratic Senator Tommy Kilby's SB3981 seeks to outlaw the sale of violent games within the state.

Add Tennessee to the list of states considering gaming legislation. Last week, Democratic Senator Tommy Kilby filed SB3981, which would make it illegal to sell or rent an "extremely violent video game" in the state of Tennessee.

The bill defines the phrase "extremely violent video game" as "a video game in which the range of options available to a player includes killing, maiming, dismembering, or sexually assaulting an image of a human being," with a number of clauses specifying that a game would have to be patently offensive to prevailing community standards, among other things, to be considered extremely violent.

The law also takes into account whether or not the virtual victim is an authority figure, whether the victim is conscious of the abuse taking place, and whether the player of the game intends to inflict severe mental or physical pain or suffering on the virtual victim.

Other factors that would nudge a game into the "extremely violent" category "include infliction of gratuitous violence upon the victim beyond that necessary to commit the killing, needless mutilation of the victim's body, and helplessness of the victim."

If passed, the bill would take effect July 1.

158 Comments

  • GoldenSilence87

    Posted Mar 29, 2006 2:43 pm PT

    More politcal meddling...I think we're all human here and I think we all know what we're playing for better or worse. Let US make the decisions!

  • ghostpanther

    Posted Mar 13, 2006 10:45 am PT

    For the love of mercy, people need to take responsibility for their own misdeeds and actions. I remember a case where a guy arrested for committing violent crimes tried to blame it on the violence he saw in the movie Robocop.

    For me, this all boils down to how each person regards what is wrong and right in the real-world. Someone who grows up with little regard for life, who does not feel the full moral weight of respecting the lives of others, is bound to think it is okay to use violence as a means to an end. It is ridiculous to think that a person is simply actiing on and repeating images of violence.

    If that were the case, then we are all just overgrown children who never own up to the fact we are to blame when we commit crimes with our own hands.

  • UmbrellaMaster

    Posted Mar 13, 2006 8:46 am PT

    With our freedom of speech constantly being whittled away, I can definitely say I'm proud to be an American. I mean, who wants a society that allows each and every individual to think for themselves? The Founding Fathers certainly never did...

    Thank you Tennessee, for attempting to do what no one else has the balls to do: finally construe freedom of speech laws according to the will of the people!

    (insert sarcasm anywhere you wish)

  • sSubZerOo

    Posted Mar 13, 2006 8:02 am PT

    They need to fix the inbreeding problem there first I think =P

  • ReyWing

    Posted Mar 13, 2006 5:22 am PT

    i saw a gorgeous babe once and i said to her, "Are you from Tennessee? 'Cause you're the only ten I see." I feel like in some way I was sexually harassing her. But you know what, I learned that from TV... NOT some videogame. SO THERE FREAKING CONGRESS! Ban TV while you're at it! OR BAN ALL FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND TAKE AWAY OUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

  • SAC2BAY2LA

    Posted Mar 12, 2006 10:51 pm PT

    thx god i live in california

  • Jackrm

    Posted Mar 12, 2006 8:45 pm PT

    Sweet! Now we can become a part of the Communist Party!

  • Stephen361984

    Posted Mar 12, 2006 4:13 pm PT

    You'd think they'ed have gotten the point by now. All they're doing is wasting time with these bills that everybody knows are never going to pass. They should focus on more important things like better education, better hospitals and stopping crime and drug abuse. Stop your kids getting their hands on cocaine not some video game

  • mp5b

    Posted Mar 12, 2006 2:57 pm PT

    they can pass it but the supreme court will knock it down under "freedom of speech". thank god for the constitution and the fore fathers.

  • gamer0100

    Posted Mar 11, 2006 6:26 pm PT

    It doesn't really matter not like they are going to be able to stop them from buying those types of games over the internet.

  • cheater2000

    Posted Mar 11, 2006 10:49 am PT

    what would happen if it did pass and they imported the games from other states or had them snuck in?

  • Vegeta-sama

    Posted Mar 11, 2006 8:23 am PT

    I live in TN and I know this law wont pass because everyone knows that the guy who put this up is the biggest moron in the whole state. It's also unconstitutional without a doubt.

  • AndrenidEnder

    Posted Mar 11, 2006 8:04 am PT

    I'm a Tennessee resident. This is a clear violation of our right to free speech. Even if it were passed, it'd be challenged soon enough. I buy all my games over the internet anyways, so it doesn't affect me. Nevertheless, adults should have the right to choose what media they want to consume. This bill is ludicrous, it will be shot down later if not sooner.

  • EliteMercenary

    Posted Mar 11, 2006 2:40 am PT

    You want a vision of the future? Imagine a boot stamping on a human face. Forever.

  • the_mrwizard

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 9:13 pm PT

    Wow, where should I start banning all violent videogames. Hmmm... why do't we just ban the Teletubbies too cuz all those bright colors may lead to the use of hullucinogenic drugs later on in a childs life. Also, by passing this bill wouldn't it set a precidence to ban other media such as movies. What are you people thinking? Videogames are the source of violence and contribut to the increase of crime. Maybe if you made it less accessible to buy guns then the crime rate would go down. What seems more to blame the increase of the sale of guns in Tennesse, or the sale of videogames? Think about it.

  • ZoSo1975

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 8:11 pm PT

    I live in Tennessee; and I'm ready to slap this Senator senseless. Adults should have the right to choose what form of entertainment they enjoy; not having the government try to dictate what can and cannot be purchased. Plus, this issue has been raised before, elsewhere; the end result was against the measure, because doing something like this makes Government acknowledge and give judicial power to a private organization (the ESRB) as a law-enforcing body (so far as the ratings of the games legally determining what titles can and cannot be bought.) Last, but not least - screw the complete Fing ifdiots that presume to say screw Tennessee. Morons.

  • boolow407

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 6:03 pm PT

    Why do all the inbreds, hookers, and lowlifes take offense to GTA? Screw Tennesee also.

  • GS_darkplayer

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 5:24 pm PT

    Rothgarr what you doing is same thing what this dumb a** want to do. And one from UK. I think pron with kid sicking. And i never want that in my game ever. It stupit. And if they do that. Zthey are brakeing there owned law. If they think it thow. It take other poeple right away. Kid are not the majortey of gamer thoese say anymore. there poeple in my age group. And that is the thruth. And he need to know this before he does something wrong. And one day there will be no mo country of free in this part of the world. It beanouther dicktated contruy. Just like Iraq was brofe this stupit war started.

  • kamillebidan92

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 5:10 pm PT

    1st Amendment Indeed

  • BurritoClock

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 4:43 pm PT

    It's hardly a sign of what is happening to america when one state congressman proposes a bill with no chance of passing, to indict all of america is a bit of a stretch.

    Funny, I looked him up and the NRA gave him an A rating! hhahaha

    Here is his offices phone number, remember to be respectful if you do call, it doesn't help our side to play into the stereotypes: (615) 741-1449 and his email is sen.tommy.kilby@legislature.state.tn.us

  • rokkuman09

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 3:33 pm PT

    look whats happening to america. Pretty soon your not gonna get to watch what movies you want or read what books you want! This is unconstitutuional!!!!

  • bobby_d_collins

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 3:28 pm PT

    I use to live in Tn, and Tommy Kilby is from my County, and further more...i think it is just so funny...I mean the bill is standing up for the rights of the virtual person...like they have feelings and well rights...come on...get real...damn he makes my state look stupid...

  • Joshua250

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 3:03 pm PT

    WAIT! I didn't see the word MINOR anywhere! Does this mean that if the bill goes in effect, Tennessee is going to have a full ban on violent video games? Or, am I just being paranoid?

  • redyns9

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 3:02 pm PT

    Isnt this against the Constitution?

  • ninjacat11

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 2:38 pm PT

    It wouldn't be put into law. It's unconstitutional.

  • cheezlarson

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 2:38 pm PT

    First of all I am wondering how a Democrat get elected in Tennessee. Last time I checked it was a red state. Second of all it says "extremely violent video games ... include killing", well last time I played Mario I was killing Goombas and Koopas. To top it all of I would like to quote my favorite show, South Park:

    "You only fight these causes, cause caring sells,
    So all you activists can go **** yourselves"

  • LinkinSnake

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 2:35 pm PT

    If passed, Tennesse will officially be off of the uber-cool state list

  • Eclipse_ShinRa

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 2:24 pm PT

    [This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

  • Kfoss

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 2:23 pm PT

    UMM its intresting but pointless none the less, how the hell would you enforce it....OHHH umMMMmm i dont think you can.....LOL why not waste people on more important things..like education reform...

  • gellis1981

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:38 pm PT

    Where's the ACLU when you need....oh wait they just go after Religions....lol

  • I_Dr_GONZO_I

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:25 pm PT

    This is a call to all that are not registered to vote. Those in favor of censorship should be censored themselves. We are a democracy so get off your asses and tell them to go to hell, we wont take it.

  • Goze

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:21 pm PT

    Yeah, like anyone in Tennessee even have TV's to play games on...

  • StealthyBurrito

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:21 pm PT

    So far the ESA is batting 100% on getting the courts shooting down these anti-gaming bills. If this passes, it will be no different than the other ones.

  • I_Dr_GONZO_I

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:21 pm PT

    If tou take away my violent games I just may start killing ppl, and I am as laid back as one can get w/o sedation. I mean really do we need more laws like this, or parents taking better care of their children. No please give us more Liberals in power so they can regulate how we raise our children. I'm a 28 yr old gamer w/ kids dont tell me what i can buy for me and I know better than most to say what my kids can play.

  • Gredeshiotek

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:20 pm PT

    I'm losing my hope in all things political....*sigh*

  • skitzocyko

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:18 pm PT

    HEY BURN BOOKS!!!

  • Gredeshiotek

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:17 pm PT

    Okay so let me get this strait."Extremely violent video games" get banned.
    But "Extremely violent movies" win Oscars?

  • I_Dr_GONZO_I

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:16 pm PT

    Please someone make a game where I can directly kill political figures.I feel so pissed right now that I need a good dose of some violent game to scratch this itch. What were those violent games that Hitler, Jack The Ripper, Osama Bin Laden, Napoleon, Stalin, Mao and Satan played again?

  • quietcool72

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:12 pm PT

    Buy mail-order if it goes through. I don't know how they can regulate that. It will probably just effect storefront business (which is still annoying).

    Ah, Liberals. They support abortion, Euthanasia, gay marriage, and Teddy "the Hutt" Kennedy.

    But violent video games? Those are just WRONG to them.

    Go figure.

  • dcm06

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:03 pm PT

    i live in oneida tn and this is the 1st time i have heard of this. im starting to hate the states there trying to take away are freedom i earn money so the money i work for i want to spend on what i want not what the government wants i hate these new laws. and i hope it doesnt happen. i have been thinking and i may just pack my bags and move to canada or something. i hate this government.

  • mach-stem

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 1:01 pm PT

    I agree with this bill and every other bill that forgoes banning violent videogames. I mean, in a country that is as gun crazy as the United States, it does seem to be an issue. Instead of putting a stop to all the gun murders in your country, ban all form of entertainment and watch the problems just float away. Sex, violence, murder...these are all things that must be dealt with accordingly, so yes put an end to it by preventing the sales or rental of a videogame...Is the united States that far gone into idiocy that they think violent crimes will diminish with the prevention of these sales/rentals? My .02

  • JoeCrook

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 12:52 pm PT

    Lets just forget that whole freedom thing. I'm feeling very monarchial this year. Anyone up for some fear and punishment?

  • Sundart

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 12:51 pm PT

    I think would-be laws like this are ridiculous. They stem from this unfounded obsession that video game violence is the cause for the crime and delinquency of the world. Killing somebody or something in a game is completely different than from doing the deed in real life. ITS A GAME. That's it. It's not real and people should be responsible enough to realize this. If they're so concerned about minors getting involved in "ultra violent" games, then lawmakers needs to find a way to educate parents so that they can teach their kids that there is a difference between virtual reality and real reality. If this is done, then we know that this won't be a cause in the degradation of society.

  • Seraphim_24

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 12:41 pm PT

    So what, we have to get these laws thrown out in all 50 states before these jerks stop wasting tax payer dollars?
    Here's another name. Democratic Senator Tommy Kilby. When voting time comes around gamers of TN should encourage people to vote against him, and vote against him themselves on the grounds that people like him are threatening the 1st ammendment.

  • 1109

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 12:39 pm PT

    HERE WE GO AGAIN!

  • dexthageek

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 12:28 pm PT

    samuel75,

    I just want to say one thing Bush has NOTHING to do with these politicians attempting to ban our games. Where are you getting your info from? Pulling out of thin air.

  • GuyverV

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 12:26 pm PT

    i just think it's amazing with gas prices shooting up, kids younger than me leaving body parts in iraq, public school kids getting dumber and illegal wiretaps, the democrats can devote so much time to pointless, unconstitutional crap like this. for supposedly not having a message, this seems to be a recurring theme with them. if that's the case i'm going to start voting republican. at least then i'll know that i can not be bothered by even reading something like this. joe lieberman, hilary clinton and this jerk need to tour a war zone and get a reality check.

    i don't need them to censor me from the wardrobe malfunctions and my video games. just make the government run better. i can't tolerate hypocrites who believe in abortion but want to censor the virtual killing of someone. why don't you devote some of that effort into censoring uwe bowell. oh, and by the way, if you're claiming to be the party of the youth, guess what? you're pissing us off.

  • Jman1236

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 12:25 pm PT

    I say who ever is doing this is doing it for the same reason Jack Thompson bashes games, to get his picture in the paper. If they pass this Tennessee is going to find itself with gamers by the truck-load holding protest rallys in the capital, plus the chance of this passing is very slim.

  • gill9221

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 12:16 pm PT

    I hate politicians.

  • HuhJustaBox

    Posted Mar 10, 2006 11:53 am PT

    [This message was deleted at the request of a moderator or administrator]

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