Porn Industry Against Mandatory Condom Measure

[struggle4progress]

By SYDNEY LUPKIN
Nov. 9, 2012

A ballot measure mandating that porn stars wear condoms in adult films passed with 56 percent of the vote in Los Angeles County this week, but the adult film industry in California says it has already has a system to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases -- and it's better than latex.

The Safer Sex in the Adult Film Industry Act, or Measure B, will require performers to wear condoms during vaginal and anal intercourse, something industry leaders and their employees think is unnecessary because studios require performers to submit to mandatory STD testing every 14 or 28 days. If they aren't STD-free, they can't be entered into the industry-wide sexual health database, and they're banned from performing.

"The adult industry takes this very seriously. This is how we survive as an industry," said Steve Hirsch, who founded porn production company Vivid Entertainment in 1984 and argues that Measure B is unnecessary. "This is how these performers make a living. We're talking about their lives." ...

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/porn-industry-measure-mandatory-condom-measure-passed-los/story?id=17673377

[darkangel218]

1. Its up to them what they do with their bodies

But the 14 to 28 days testing is not viable. It take
s months for HIV to show up in tests.

[Stargazer09]

2. How about this idea?

Stop making pornography. There are other industries out there that don't require everyone to get STD checks every few weeks.

Yeah, I know. I'm about to become the most unpopular person on DU.

[Tumbulu]

6. I'm with you

I am no fan of it.

But if it is allowed, then safe working conditions are not an option. Of course mandatory condoms! Just a starter.

[doc03]

3. Was there a problem, was there some kind of epidemic of

STDs in the porn industry? We need the jobs in eastern Ohio, they can move here and make
their movies.

[DCKit]

4. Think of the children. THE CHILDREN!

You know I'm kidding, right?

[Warpy]

5. The problem is that one can be infected and pass HIV along

for some weeks or months before the virus is detectable.

This is taking an unacceptable chance with their actors' lives while missing a huge opportunity to educate the general public.

Shame on them.