30 November 2000

Graham Capill
Party Leader

Party Leader Graham Capill is deeply concerned about the effect games for PlayStation II will have on society, and particularly on younger, impressionable minds.

Mr Capill said, “The graphic depictions of torture and violence are anything but a game. That these new products come on the back of rising violent crime statistics, is of real concern.

“You cannot participate in cutting off arms, legs and brutalising a human being before killing him or her, especially when they are so life-like, and then claim it has no impact on you. Life-like, chilling sound effects only exacerbate the problem.

“Overseas research shows that violence desensitises the viewer. When it is coupled with active participation as in PlayStation, it is a lethal mix that makes the ‘player’ feel invincible. Such games will produce violent monsters we should all fear,” Mr Capill warned.

Christian Heritage will be seeking information from the Classification Office as to the status of these games and whether some should be classified as ‘objectionable’ and banned from the country.

Contact: Party Leader Graham Capill, Direct Line: (03) 352 6720 or (021) 661 766

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