Bavarian minister: Violent games "are on the same level as child pornography and illegal drugs"

Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann has likened violent games to child porn and drugs. Because they're so obviously similar.

Translated by Gamepolitics from a press release issued by the politician today:

The statement contains the usual accusations that "such games are one of the causes for youth violence and also for school shootings, where images from killer games become reality",and that "more and more children are getting mired in this virtual world of violence", so that "they have no time left for school or job training, and are lost to our society".

However, this time, he's taking it a bit further. The last sentence states: "In regards to their harmful effects, [violent video games] are on the same level as child pornography and illegal drugs, the ban on which rightly is unquestioned."

All German game associations (G.A.M.E., BIU and ESB) have demanded an apology.

A second German official, Commissioner for the New Media Thomas Jarzombek, has heavily criticised the remarks:

"The comparison is completely inappropriate," he said. "Anyone making such statements is unqualified to participate in any further debate [regarding the] protection of minors from harmful media."

More through there.