Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s proposal to ban the sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors is not a violation of free speech, but rather a logical proposal at a time when video game popularity has skyrocketed.

His proposal would also require retailers to specifically label violent or sexually explicit games. Right now, some games are given an M rating for mature.

Children under 17 aren’t allowed entrance into movies with an R rating without a parent or guardian. Most movies with that rating are given it because of adult images, including violent or sexually explicit material.

If minors aren’t allowed to see movies like this without adult supervision, why should they be allowed to purchase similar media without parental supervision? And video games don’t just let the child view the violence – he or she has full control of it.

“I don’t believe that my 8-year-old daughter has a constitutional right to cut somebody’s head off in a game that she plays,” Blagojevich said.

While that may be Blagojevich’s thought, plenty of parents might be comfortable with their children playing a video game that allows them to cut somebody’s head off. With the new legislation, parents would have to buy the game for their children, and at least they will be aware of the images their children are being exposed to. When parents are more aware, they might be able to do more to ensure their children understand the images on the game are not real and the violent actions should not be mimicked.

Opposers of the legislation not only say it is a violation of free speech but also say Blagojevich is employing retailers to do what parents should be doing.

But the state doesn’t rely on parents to make sure their children don’t purchase tobacco products or see R-rated movies – retailers regulate those items because it is the law.

If Blagojevich’s proposal is approved, retailers might have one more law to follow. But that is a small price to pay for this logical piece of legislation.