By Benjamin Shaw
Washington, DC – US Senator Hillary Clinton introduced legislation last week to protect minors from graphically violent and sexually explicit video games.
With the holiday shopping season upon us, Clinton says she wants to send a message to parents and retailers that graphically violent video games have a hugely negative effect on children.
"Violent video games increase aggressive behavior as much as lead exposure decreases children's IQ scores," Clinton said.
Clinton says boys as young as nine are able to purchase mature games 42 percent of the time they try.
Her legislation would fine video game retailers for selling adult-only video games to children under the age of 17.
Opponents say these laws violate first amendment rights to free speech.
"This legislation is not about government censorship or regulation of content," Clinton said. "Quite simply, it is about protecting children and empowering parents."
The Senator will pursue the legislation when Congress resumes next year.