DENVER-
Regional Transportation District directors have rejected a ban on ads for adult-rated video games on agency buses and trains.
After receiving legal advice in an executive session, RTD directors defeated the proposal 12-3 Tuesday over concerns about free speech.
An RTD committee had recommended that the board adopt the ban, proposed by the Parents Television Council and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. The groups contended that ads for games rated “M” for mature, or “AO” for adults only, expose young riders to graphic violence and explicit sexual content.
“It was a tough decision because I think our hearts as a board were with trying to limit exposure to advertisements that promote violence,” Boulder board member John Tayer said. “But the overwhelming weight of the legal advice was that if we pursued this, we would face an uphill battle in court.”
Peggi O’Keefe of the Entertainment Software Association said the proposal was unnecessary and unconstitutional. The industry’s Entertainment Software Rating Board enforces strict guidelines about which games are appropriate for minors and how those products can be advertised, she said.
Current RTD policy prohibits deceptive, illegal or obscene material and ads for tobacco products, while requiring that ads be “of a reputable character.”
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Information from: Daily Camera,
