(QCOSTARICA) A bill has been proposed to ban the sale and marketing of warlike toys, that includes water and pellet guns, and video war games in the country. Or at least keep them out of reach of children.
The intent of the bill is to also prohibit the use of military language and fatigue pants, for example.
Article 9 of the bill, presented Monday by legislator Gonzalo Ramirez of the Costa Rican Renovation party (Renovación Costarricense), bans the “manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, marketing and advertising” of these and other war products.
As to video games, the initiative seeks to prevent games with military content from reaching minors, these items required to a warning label that covers at least 75% of the packaging.
The proposal has the support of members of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC), Movimiento Libertario, the Accesibilidad Sin Exclusión (PASE) and the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC).
Ramirez defended the project, stating that these products promote violence among children and adolescents.
Scope. The proposal might even have implications for police as it would be prohibited from using any military language, including ranks such as general, commander, captain, colonel, major or the like and symbols, badges and military nomenclatures used by police authorities and officials of public institutions, as well as salutes.
The initiative sets penalties of up to 10 minimum wages (currently ¢4 million colones) for those who breach the provisions and for businesses, it could face closures.
PLN legislator, Rolando Gonzalez, defended the plan and noted that, although it may not be approved, the important thing is to open a debate on the need to create a society with less appreciation to arms and military language.
Sources: Nacion.com; Ameliarueda.com
