Utah AG Explains Gov’s Veto.

Posted by Dan on April 1, 2009

Gamepolitics has a spectacular interview with Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, regarding the Jack Thompson bill (HB353) and subsequent veto. Here’s a clip:

GP: You’ve come under severe criticism from Jack Thompson in recent days in regard to the video game bill vetoed by Gov. Huntsman last week. Can you comment?

Shurtleff: Well, I just consider the source. I don’t take what Jack Thompson says – give it much credence. This latest demand that I prosecute certain crimes shows me that he knows about as much about criminal law as he does about constitutional law…

The AG shows a remarkable understanding of our industry, and is one of the rare politicians that actually understands the ESRB. Again from the article:

GP: In recent years, you have had a friendly relationship with the video game industry. You did a public service announcement for the ESRB in 2006 and, in 2008, the ESA donated money to your campaign.

Shurtleff: My attitude is there’s a great rating system. I feel very strongly that the ESRB rating system works. It’s something that every parent ought to know about. And let me make it very clear that, while our officers and prosecutors didn’t think we could prosecute someone for selling Grand theft Auto IV, I certainly would strongly recommend against any parent letting their kids play the game. I don’t let my kids play it. Parents ought to be parents when it comes to games like that.

The full interview is available here.

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