IEMA Responds To AB1179 Injunction

The Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association, representing video game retailers, has issued an official response to the earlier news that a California judge had issued an injunction halting the implementation of California’s AB1179 game sale restriction bill. Hal Halpin, the President of the IEMA, commented: "We are, of course, unsurprised by Judge Whyte's decision to enjoin the law and pleased that his decision came before the holidays were upon us. Our position has been, and shall remain, that Government should not be involving itself in the entertainment decisions that consumers make. Our members are already voluntarily committed to a self-regulatory process and games should be treated no differently than music or movies in how they are merchandised, sold and enjoyed." He continued: "Judge Whyte's preliminary injunction reaffirms our long-held position that these laws are unconstitutional and unnecessary. It is unfortunate that politicians have chosen not to respect the will of the courts and of the people, and it is our continued hope that they will now, given the extraordinary amount of precedent, choose to instead work proactively with us." Gamasutra will have further reaction from the parties involved in the AB1179 controversy as it occurs.