LA condoms in porn measure gets 64,000 signatures

[December 01, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A group hoping to place a measure before Los Angeles voters that would require porn actors to wear condoms during film shoots said Wednesday it has gathered more than 64,000 valid voter signatures, about 23,000 more than the law requires for the June ballot.

The measure is backed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a group that has made a number of unsuccessful legal 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," said Michael Weinstein, foundation president.

To get on the city's ballot, 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.

The city's San Fernando Valley is the heart of the multi-billion dollar American porn industry.

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 behavior between consenting adults does not work," spokeswoman 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."

[Associated Press]

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