Groups sue California over minors video game ban

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Two industry trade groups sued the state of California on Monday after the state passed a law barring the sale of violent video games to minors.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former screen "Terminator" who is himself portrayed in several video games based on his Hollywood roles, vowed to fight the suit, which was filed in federal court in San Jose.

"I will do everything in my power to preserve this new law and I urge the attorney general to mount a vigorous defense of California's ability to prevent the sale of these games to children," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

"California's new law will ensure parental involvement in determining which video games are appropriate for their children. I believe strongly that we must give parents the tools to help them protect their children."

The trade group Entertainment Software Association announced its intentions to fight in court immediately after Schwarzenegger signed the ban 10 days ago. Video Software Dealers Association joined in the suit.

"It is not up to any industry or the government to set standards for what kids can see or do; that is the role of parents," Douglas Lowenstein, the group's president said.

"Everyone involved with this misguided law has known from the start that it is an unconstitutional infringement on the First Amendment freedoms of those who create and sell video games."

Federal courts have ruled against violent video game legislation in Washington state, the city of Indianapolis and St. Louis County in Missouri, saying the moves violated constitutional free speech guarantees.

The California ban came in the wake of lively debate after game publisher Take-Two Interactive Software Inc pulled its best-selling game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" from retailers this summer because of hidden sex scenes.

The state's measure bars the sale and rental to minors of games that show serious injury deemed especially heinous, atrocious or cruel. Violators are subject to a US$1000 fine.