Posted Apr 19, 2008 at 06:25AM by David T. Listed in: Wii, PSP, Xbox 360, Games for Windows Tags: Hamid Karzai
Ó

A political map of Afghanistan - Image 1If an Afghanistan legislative committee gets its way, US Marines will probably be the only ones playing video games in Afghanistan. Why, you ask? Because the very same committee has drafted a bill that seeks to impose strict codes of morality on its citizens. That includes banning a lot of things that Afghan people consider to be entertainment - even video games.

The draft still needs to have two things before it can become a law: the approval of both chambers of parliament and the signature of President Hamid Karzai. The draft of the bill reportedly outlaws the following:
  • women wearing make-up in public
  • women dancers performing during concerts, events, or on TV
  • young boys wearing female fashions (bracelets, necklaces, hair-bands and "feminist dresses")
  • Indian soap opera dramas on private television networks
  • video games
  • dog and bird-fighting
  • pigeon-flying
  • billiards
  • loud music during wedding parties (as well as both sexes congregating during such parties)
If the proposals are passed, violators could be fined anywhere from 500 to 5,000 Afghanis (approximately anywhere from US$ 10 to US$ 104). It sure puts the campaign against violent video games in perspective, doesn't it?

[Via Daily Times] Permalink  |   Email this  |   Linking Blogs   |   Digg It!

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20 Comments


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   by gambiting - 2008-04-19
 » Ban everything

Ban everything and there won't be any crimes and morality of people will be in great condition - except they will be brainless zombies.


   Re: Xastabus - 2008-04-22
 » Yeah.

Another spin on it - ban everything then the government can jail anyone for anything.

This is what happens when religion dictates civil liberty. Nobody is free.
   by Nevers - 2008-04-19
 » ahhhh

the iron fist of bygone sentimentalities. These areas are living proof that church SHOULD ALWAYS be seperate from state.

   by Mentality - 2008-04-19
 » >>

hmm, no tellyban this time around then, won't be long though, wait till they have got the country to themselves and the forces are out of there, we will have another dictatorship lead country. I feel for them.

   by mreverdred01 - 2008-04-19
 » I'm not shocked

Anyone else here seen Persepolis? They outlawed tons of stuff, even playing cards in Iran. Everyone still does all the outlawed stuff in private though. It just raises the criminal rate to outlaw recreational commodities. lol video games will become just like all the outlawed drugs. There'll be video game dealers in dark alleys selling games to people. The thing on this list that shocks me is pigeon fighting, just because I had no idea anybody would ever do that.


   Re: CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2008-04-19
 » The Bad Thing Is...

They probably allow opium use.

   Re: Xastabus - 2008-04-22
 » Pigeon-flying?

The list says pigeon-flying, not fighting... unless it's a typo.
Although, as written that is pretty funny. How do they expect to fine wild pigeons?
(Ok, now I'm just being silly. Don't mind me.)
   by CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2008-04-19
 » No Good From The Fight?

U.S. and other troops are over there fighting for freedom but it seems like another pig headed government is trying to take hold. This has to end and tolerance to all peoples right to live how they want should always be allowed as long as they are not hurting anyone. This allows for a more interesting life for all to collaborate on great ideas.


   Re: icemann - 2008-04-19
 » well

Well you know what they say. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
   by Woden501 - 2008-04-19
 » Idiots...

The US has tried this kind of thing a couple of times... prohibition, drugs, etc. Didn't work to well though. Give it a couple of years, and there will be another war in Afghanistan, one that were not part of. I just have to say that the sooner we lose our dependence on the Middle East's oil, the better. As soon as we do we can say to hell with them, and let them kill each other all day long.


   Re: Meseria - 2008-04-20
 » yep

good thing a major platform is global warming. Even though its total bull***** i still like it because the conclusion will bring alternate energy sources and at a cheaper price. Anyone remember the oncoming ice age of the 70s? lol!
   by superanimefreak - 2008-04-19
 » Stupid

No wonder why there is so many wars over there the freedom is close to jack almost anything is under some sort of stupid law so It would not shock me if the next law they make is when you can and can't go to the restroom.

   by Torch - 2008-04-19
 » Go USA

The only reason I supports USA's war waging is because they crush governments/dictators who believe such oppressive bull*****.


   Re: Finnaz2 - 2008-04-19
 » Hahaha

Mate, you do realise that this is the puppet government the US put in power in Afghanistan. The west supports them.

Ooh and 'pigeon flying' hahaha, I wanna see Afghani policemen running around tethering every pigeon in the country to the ground.
   by roddollente - 2008-04-19
 » i therefore conclude

the US should stop getting oil from iraq. cause you know, when americans are asked, "what do the soldiers do in iraq?"

they say, "fighting terrorism." stupid.

   by lavino - 2008-04-19
 » No more John Woo movie for you!

no pigeon flying eh? ;)


   Re: David T. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2008-04-22
 » re:

Looks like pigeons will just have to walk to their destinations and back, or commute. XD
   by org3rulz - 2008-04-20
 » lawl

so much for democracy.......really if you want to practice democracy learn to separate church n state (or in this case mosque and state :) (just a little humor I don't mean to offend anyone))
however i do agree Indian soap operas really need to be banned seriously they're worse than their american counterparts(trust me I have a house full of Hindi Soap Opera fanatics)

   by Tydeus - 2008-04-20
 » F-tards!

You can ban anything, it doesn't mean people won't still do it. If anything, they need to ban Religion. Thats the main cause of war in my opinion :)

If they banned video games in England, I'd be the first guy arrested, and I'd do it again when I came back out. Anddd if they took my computers away from me, I'd go steal it back :D.

   by sergeidragunov - 2008-05-03
 » tsk tsk i feel sorry for the afghans...

Im a super hardcore gamer, and i cant imagine living there.. Their governmet is so cruel!



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