Federal Judge Shoots Down Violent Video Game Ban

SEATTLE -- U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik shot down a Washington State ban on selling or renting violent video games to minors Friday. The ban was aimed at prohibiting minors from viewing games that depict the killing or harming of police officers.

In his decision, the Federal judge wrote, “There has been no showing that exposure to video games that ‘trivialize violence against law enforcement officers’ is likely to lead to actual violence against such officers.”

Judge Lasnik noted that the ban violated the First Amendment. He added that the U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled in favor of prohibitions of representations of violence under the umbrella of obscenity laws.

The law was sponsored by state Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, a Seattle Democrat.

The game industry rejoiced at the judge’s finding that the ban was unconstitutional.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2026 XBIZ LA Conference Schedule Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full show schedule for the XBIZ 2026 conference, set to take place Jan. 12-15 at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood.

Grooby Kicks Off 30th Anniversary With Aubrey Kate Return

Two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Aubrey Kate returns to Grooby for the first time since 2017, starring alongside Chris Epic to mark the commencement of the studio’s 30th anniversary year.

Octavia Red Stars in 'No Need for Men' From Futanari XXX

Octavia Red stars with Ava Amira in “No Need for Men Pt. 1,” from Futanari XXX, directed by studio honcho Romero.

Sofie Marie Fronts Latest From MYLF

Sofie Marie stars with Gunnar Bishop in the latest release from MYLF.

Penny Barber Stars in Latest Episode of 'Mommy's Boy'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Emma Rosie and Axel Haze in the latest episode of Adult Time series “Mommy’s Boy,” titled “A Family That Nudes Together, Stays Together.”

Utah State Legislator Proposes New 'Porn Tax'

A Utah state senator introduced a bill on Monday that would impose a 7% tax on the gross receipts of adult websites doing business in that state, plus require adult sites to pay an annual $500 fee.

'Fan Fav' XMA Award Categories to Be Presented at X3 Expo

In a move sure to electrify fans and creators alike, fan passion will take center stage Saturday, Jan. 17, when the winners of the 2026 XMA Fan Favorite categories are revealed, transforming the closing night of X3 Expo into the event’s most buzzworthy moment.

Sophia Locke, Max Fills Star in Latest From New Sensations

Sophia Locke and multi-XMAs winner Max Fills star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Angel Windell, Cherry Candle Topline Latest 'Lesbian Love Stories'

Angel Windell and Cherry Candle headline the 11th volume of "Lesbian Love Stories" from Girlfriends Films.

Leana Lovings Fronts Latest From Pure Taboo

Leana Lovings stars with Jason Sarcinelli in the latest release from Pure Taboo, titled "His Charitable Act."

Show More