Poor Joe Baca. The California congressman just can’t buy a break. Not only was he recently exposed by Esquire,  but it looks as if his latest game-related proposal, which would require warning labels on all games deemed inappropriate for those under the age of 13, has met some resistance.

The Entertainment Consumer Association, which, among other things, examines anti-games legislation, says H. R. 231 has opined that the proposed bill is unconstitutional and is encouraging gamers to contact their representatives in Washington, D.C.  The organization also champions the ESRB, which rates game software sold in the U.S. and Canada based on content.

According to the ECA:

Congress is simply misinformed on this issue. The vast majority of studies show that there is no proven causal link between violent media of any type and aggressive behavior. Several studies suggest that playing video games can be helpful to young people, such as this study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Further, the bill requires the label even for games that are not rated T or above for violence, which could confuse parents and undermine the ESRB, which according to the FTC is the most enforced media retail system.

The advocacy group also suggests that Baca needs to rearrange his priorities.

HR 231 is an unconstitutional restraint on speech that will harm consumers and parents alike. Please join with the ECA, and let your representatives know that you want them to let the industry and parents continue with a system that works, and have Congress stay focused on the real problems facing our nation.

Baca has proposed game-related legislation in the past, but none of those measures was approved. With his new bill already receiving strong opposition from the gaming community, it wouldn’t surprise me if this latest measure failed as well.

In addition to the ESRB, which posts rating summaries on its official site, Microsoft recently launched its Get Game Smart campaign, which aims to help parents select appropriate software for their young ones.

The proposed warning label suggests that there is an undeniable link between “exposure to violent games” and “aggressive behavior.” There have been numerous studies on the subject, but no definitive answer seems to have arisen. As Yamster reported last week, crime rates decreased in early 2008, despite a rise in console and software adoption.

The ECA has made it painfully easy for those who oppose the bill to contact their representatives. Just click here, fill out the necessary information and hit send.

Source: Entertainment Consumers Association via GamePolitics

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