Brazilian Senator Valdir Raupp is no friend of videogames. In fact, he finds them so offensive that herecently drafted a billto make it illegal to make, sell or import any videogames deemed troublesome in the eyes of the Brazilian government. Rather than deal withrealcriminal issues, the Senate has approved the proposal, which means it will now be voted on in the Committee on Constitution and Justice.
Raupp aims to “curb the manufacture, distribution, importation, distribution, trading and custody, storage, the video games that affect the customs, traditions of the people, their worship, creeds, religions and symbols.”
“Therefore,” he continues, “we seek to protect the principle of equality — for many the greatest of constitutional principles — with the characterization of such discriminatory conduct as a crime by making provision in the law.”
Brazil has banned games such asCarmageddon,PostalandGrand Theft Autoin the past, and if Raupp gets his way, many more bans will follow. Anybody caught breaking this law could face up to three years in prison. Yes, prison — all for the crime of making a videogame.
What on Earth is wrong with human beings?
