US groups want condoms in porn shoots
2011-12-01 12:44
Los Angeles - A group that wants porn actors to wear condoms during film shoots said on Wednesday it has gathered more than 64 000 valid US voter signatures to put the issue on the ballot in Los Angeles - about 23 000 more than the law requires.
The city's San Fernando Valley is the heart of the multibillion-dollar US porn industry.
The Aids Healthcare Foundation has made a number of unsuccessful efforts - through state legislation, lawsuits and complaints to regulators - to require condoms in adult films.
"We believe these performers deserve the health and safety protections already afforded them under existing law, and that all levels of government need to be involved in this workplace safety issue," foundation President Michael Weinstein said.
To get on the city's ballot in June, advocates must turn in 41 183 signatures. If passed, the measure would require porn producers to agree to have their actors use condoms in adult films shot in Los Angeles in order to obtain permits to film in the city.
Critics say the measure's obvious flaw is that many porn producers don't seek such permits in the first place, and those who do would likely be forced underground.
The Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the porn industry that has advocated for consistently testing adult film performers for sexually transmitted diseases, opposes mandatory condom regulations.
"History has shown us that regulating sexual behaviour between consenting adults does not work," spokesperson Diane Duke said.
"The best way to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is by providing quality information and sexual health services."
- AP
