A federal judge has agreed to block a California law banning the sale or rental of violent videogames to minors, the Associated Press reported.
U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Whyte said that the Video Software Dealers Association and the Entertainment Software Association would succeed in their lawsuits that argue the law violates free-speech rights.
The law, which was set to go into effect January 1, 2006, would impose a $1,000 fine on retailers from selling or renting violent videogames to minors.
"Games are protected by the First Amendment and that plaintiffs are likely to prevail in their argument that the Act violates the First Amendment," wrote Judge Whyte in his ruling.