Yesterday, California's state Senate Appropriations Committee shelved AB 1576, the bill that would have forced porn producers in the state to use condoms when filming sex scenes.

 

Diane Duke of the Free Speech Coalition said that she was thankful that the Senate "saw this bill for what it was — a bald-faced attempt to exploit performers for political gain."

 

"But the battle is not actually over," she said, "for we must always work to make sure our productions are safe and legal, that our performers have a strong voice in their own sexual health, and to keep a thriving industry in California.”

 

"[The bill] would [have done] nothing to protect public health, and actually would have the exact opposite effect as to protecting the health of performers," added adult entertainment attorney Allan Gelbard. "The fiscal effects on the state would be especially damaging."

 

Of course, not everyone was happy with the decision.

 

“Regardless of whether AB 1576 became law this year, condom use already is—and has been—the law in California under existing Cal/OSHA authority. The porn industry has simply chosen to ignore these laws, with few, if any, repercussions to date for producers,” countered Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “As for AB 1576: We will reintroduce the bill next year and are proud of the fact that we moved this legislation farther along in this session than any previous year."

 

Porn's Condom Law Goes Down [LA Weekly]

 

Enthusiasm For California's Condoms In Porn Bill Goes Limp [LAist]

 

Porn-Condom Bill AB 1576 Doesn't Move Forward [XBIZ]