That's Not A Wrap: Porn Industry Group Prepares For Battle Against New Condom Law

Photo by Iwona Grodzka via Shutterstock

Tuesday's news of Los Angeles City Council's passage of the proposed condoms in porn ordinance has sparked much controversy in the pornography community, and one porn industry lobbying group has its fists raised and ready for battle.

The 9-1 simple majority vote has positioned L.A. as the first city in the nation requiring adult film actors to use condoms while on set. The City of Los Angeles Safer Sex In The Adult Film Industry Act ordinance also demands production companies pay film permit fees, which will in turn fund inspections enforced by the city.

But San Fernando Valley-based nonprofit Free Speech Coalition will not take the new law lying down. Many industry advocates feel the government has no right to intervene in the matter of wrapping it up on set, and the group has not ruled out lawsuits to combat the new law. Diane Duke, a member of the group, told L.A. Times, "We're looking at all of our options and talking to the industry heads. The government is intruding into the sexual behavior of consenting adults."

Opposition to the measure stems from several factors, including industry rights, concerns about a possible industry shift and a potential drop in sales. Companies may go underground or leave L.A., which could be a huge blow to the multibillion dollar industry centered in the San Fernando Valley. Approximately 90% of porn produced in the U.S. is shot in the L.A. zone. Porn industry representatives say that protected sex does not sell as well and is "hard" on performers' bodies during especially lengthy sessions, according to Duke.

The porn industry has fallen under much scrutiny in past years with the HIV infection of several performers. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) President Michael Weinstein said many performers, like star Jenna Jameson, support the new law.

The notorious saying, "We'll fix it in post," may ring true for the condoms in porn dilemma, as some public health experts have proposed film and video editors could edit out the condom images during the post-production stage. Porn producers shunned the idea, stating such a solution would send production costs soaring.

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By Lauren Lloyd in News on January 18, 2012 10:00 AM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

thegodofthor

So the County runs the best place to get HIV without consent (L.A. county Jail) and don't give a damn. It's so bad that there is always a HIV testing truck outside to test inmates that want to know if they got HIV while in jail.

But, OMG, lets freak the heck out about an industry that had only a handful of exposures among people that are all in it on their own.
Where do you think your more likely to gets an STD, Jail or Porn. I think Jail.

Ezra Horne

That's fascinating... I actually had no idea this was a problem? Do you have any articles that you could point me to that talk about the HIV problem in LA prisons?

crusher153

too much government! they try to forcefeed us their adgendas to say its better for us. well i say fuck off! whats next?

JC

Fuck off? Yes, but only with a condom.

Ezra Horne

JC! You're on a roll!

JC

I appreciate the nod to the commenter who suggested "it's a wrap" as a headline.

Ezra Horne

As much as I admire the ideals behind this law, I am against it.

Small adult companies will most likely defy the law, and big companies will pull out (pun intended) of Los Angeles because they've already tried this and sales of "safe" porn do not compare with bareback. I live in North Hollywood and I am fully aware of the role that porn plays in keeping LA and the San Fernando Valley afloat.

Please don't poke holes in our already leaking e"condom"y.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Shaun Landry

All I know is this: The picture above makes me chuckle like a fourteen year old. Really.

"ooo...your penis looks so sexy in that yellow condom. I get hot from the idea of Jaundice!"

Besides that? A few guys. One room. a few editing systems. The soaring price is boosting the economy to hire editors to sit in front of an Adobe editing program and erase out a condom. You make billions of dollars, Porn Industry. Hire some guys. Or...some editing women who might not only erase out the condom...but just might make your porn male stars look a little more...uh...

...like stars. Lemon Condoms into Lubed Lemonade. :)

Nicholas Pell

No, the government is regulating health and safety conditions in the workplace. As it can and should.

Paul

You're right, they should introduce new safety laws in boxing. No boxer should hit hard enough to cause physical damage which may cause brain damage or internal bleeding. It should be replaced with a "tap" system of scoring - where each boxer is only allowed to "tap" places on their body.

The should do the same with Football as well. No more body contact, NFL should be Flag Football only.