An Illinois state legislature wants to ban the sale of violent video games, including Grand Theft Auto, as the number of carjackings in the state has increased.
Rep. Marcus Evans Jr., a Democrat, has introduced a bill that would amend a pre-existing law that prohibits the sale of certain video games to minors. His amendment would ban the sale of games on the subject of “theft of motor vehicles with a driver or passenger present,” according to the Chicago Sun Times. The change has yet to take place voted.
There are renewed debates about the ban after carjackings have risen among young people lately.
“The bill would ban the sale of some of these games that promote the activities we suffer in our communities,” Evans said, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
A 16-year-old was arrested on Monday and charged with carjacking. Days ago, two 15-year-olds were arrested and also charged with carjacking, Fox 32 Chicago reported.
A former police officer was also arrested last week. The young perpetrators were found, but the officer said “tThese guys feel like they’ll come right out again, especially since they’re just youthful. “
Video games causing violent acts in minors is a debated topic, with some arguing that a ban on violent video games for children would help reduce crime, while others believe that video games do not contribute to aggressive acts in children.