How about this one, Steven -

<< Call to ban anti-Islam video game
Marissa Calligeros | September 14, 2008 - 9:45AM

A BRISBANE computer programmer responsible for an online game that encourages players to ''wipe out'' followers of Islam could be charged under Queensland's Anti-discrimination Act.

The man reportedly behind the game is 22-year-old petrol station attendant Eric Vaughan, whose online alias is Sigvatr.

Muslim Massacre invites players to take control of an American ''hero'' and use ''an arsenal of the world's most destructive weapons'' to kill as many Muslims as possible.

Kimberlee Weatherall, a senior lecturer in law at the University of Queensland, said Mr Vaughan could be guilty of inciting hatred on the grounds of racial or religious vilification.

The maximum penalty for such an offence is six months' jail.

However, Ms Weatherall said the application of the act in an online context would be difficult. [continues] >>

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/call-to-ban-antiislam-video-game/2008/09/14/1221330622864.html

I think that such a game could be useful - for example, in providing an online activity for Islamophobes and racists that might distract them from infesting forums like OLO.

CJ MORGAN,

I am not a lawyer but I think this one MAY cross the line into incitement to violence.

It is a difficult case.

Let me put it this way. If my kids were still minors living at home I would not let them play such a game.

aaah..it's a fine point but an important one....

THE LAW.

1/ The 'racial/religious vilification' would not have any impact except in Victoria. But given that people from outside our state have been extradited to face such charges here.... hmmm maybe.

2/ "Incitement to hatred"

MEDIA METHODS we all know that a 'kill all the muslims'story makes MUCH MUCH more impact than a selective "fight against terrorists" one and those seeking wider circulation for their advertising dollar would not worry too much if the difference was not made clear in the text.

RRT2001 in fact..the 'game' is a work of art and thus is 100% exempt from the Act itself.

11. Exceptions—public conduct

A person does not contravene section 7 or 8 if the
person establishes that the person's conduct was
engaged in reasonably and in good faith—

(a) in the performance, exhibition or distribution
of an artistic work; or

(b) in the course of any statement, publication,
discussion or debate made or held, or any
other conduct engaged in, for—

(i) any genuine academic, artistic,
religious or scientific purpose; or

(ii) any purpose that is in the public
interest; or

(c) in making or publishing a fair and accurate
report of any event or matter of public
interest.

Now..given that I have documentary evidence that the Equal Opportunity Commission does not regard the 'mocking' of the Ten Commandments by a "character" created by an author as in any way infringing the act.. I think the author is on safe ground.

If it was argued that 'inviting players to play' incites them to hate ..then it must also be admitted the 'inviting readers to read' also incites them to hold religion in contempt.

Sorry.. Eric is safe.

It is an interesting point.

>>Muslim Massacre invites players to take control of an American ''hero'' and use ''an arsenal of the world's most destructive weapons'' to kill as many Muslims as possible.<<

If Boaz were to stand up on a soap box in a public place and incite the crowd to a "Muslim Massacre", I suspect that would place him within the reach of the law, and be punishable through our courts.

Especially if he were to provide weapons, strategy, manpower, tactics and the opportunity to do so.

However, as someone who in his extreme youth used to play "English and Germans", with gangs of sub-teens pointing sticks at each other and going "pow, pow", I fail to see the same offence in a computer game.

The only things that have changed are the medium - over the internet, instead of over the local bomb-site - and the participants, who no longer have to live on the same street in order to play.

The action on the online game, albeit with amazing graphics and more realistic sound, is still the equivalent of kids pointing sticks and going "pow pow".

I agree with CJ. If it keeps the whack-a-mozzies amused and indoors, it can't be all bad.

You're probably right Pericles.

As a kid I used to play "cowboys and Indians" but I've never experienced even the faintest desire to massacre Native Americans.

Still, I don’t think I would have let my kids play this game.

Of course, Porky would have to agree that an equivalent game targeting Christians should be legal too.