Violent video games have a damaging effect on children, Rep. David Hogue said Thursday in defense of a bill that would make it a crime to supply the games to children.

The bill passed 56-8, and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Playing the games can lead to the "automatic learning of aggressive behavior," said the Riverton Republican.

Under the bill, a person who knowingly and intentionally distributes the material to a minor could be charged with a third-degree felony -- the same charge for distributing pornography.

Hogue said both the industry and American Civil Liberties Union have lobbied heavily against the bill.

Some Republicans and Democrats expressed concern about whether the bill violates freedom of speech.

"Although violence may not be what we should be looking to have our kids look at, it does have certain constitutional protections, unlike pornography," said Rep. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake City.

Similar laws have been challenged, and failed, in court.

But Rep. Lorie Fowlke, R-Orem, an attorney, said this law is the most narrowly tailored of any she knows of.

"I think it is worth a try," she said.

"Otherwise we give up and say the court will always determine our values."

Kimberly Jahnke can be reached at kjahnke@standard.net.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A5.