February 16, 2013 | The Biz

California bill would make condom use mandatory in porn

California Assemblyman Isadore Hall III, a Democrat representing Los Angeles, introduced a bill this week to make condom use mandatory in porn productions that are shot anywhere in the state.

Hall introduced Bill AB 332 at a news conference, and was joined by Michael Weinstein, President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), and Darren James, a former adult film actor who claims he contracted HIV while working in the industry.

“When it comes down to it, adult film actors are employees, like any other employee for any other business in the state,” said Hall. “We have an obligation to ensure that all workers, regardless of the type of work, are protected from workplace hazards and injury. AB 332 will give these actors a proven way to prevent the spread of disease while creating a safer workplace for actors throughout this growing industry.”

A similar law, Measure B, was passed in Los Angeles County this past year, spearheaded by AHF. As with that legislation, AB 332 is already creating a lot of debate both for and against it.

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC), which aggressively fought Measure B, challenged the new bill. "Tragically, this law — if passed — will not only waste taxpayer dollars and compromise the effective performer health protocols already in place, but also compromise funding for critical HIV programs by diverting program funds to create an unnecessary condom-police bureaucracy," said FSC CEO Diane Duke. "Additionally, this regulation would force an industry vital to the San Fernando Valley and to California’s economy out of the area."

If you thought the debate over Measure B was charged, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Industry Criticism Is Sharp on Twitter for Lawmaker Who Introduced AB 332 [XBiz]

California lawmaker: Require all porn actors to wear condoms [The Raw Story]

FSC Responds to Statewide Condom Legislation for Porn Shoots [XBiz]