This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Condoms in Porn Industry: Advisory Panel Convenes Today
Adult actress Bobbi Starr might be reaching into Ramon's pocket to see if he's got a condom as Nikki Benz looks on. (Photo by Koga/LAist; see the rest of the X-Files-themed parody film set images here)
Adult actress Bobbi Starr might be reaching into Ramon's pocket to see if he's got a condom as Nikki Benz looks on. (Photo by Koga/LAist; see the rest of the X-Files-themed parody film set images here)
The movement to strengthen regulations in the adult entertainment industry will go forward today as California’s of Department Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) convenes its first meeting of an Advisory Panel.
The purpose of the panel, which is taking place today at the Caltrans building from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is to gather comments from the public, health advocates, and industry officials "on whether—and how—to amend state health statutes to better protect adult film workers," according to a press release issued by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
Participating in today's panel are Shelley Lubben, former adult entertainment actress and founder of Pink Cross Foundation; Jan (Meza) Merritt, former adult entertainment actress and member of Pink Cross Foundation; Robert Kim-Farley, MD, MPH, Director, Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; Michael Weinstein, AHF, President; and Brian Chase, Assistant General Counsel, AHF.
The goal is to change state health regulation in order to safeguard the industry's many employees who are at high risk of contracting a number of sexually transmitted diseases. “The adult film industry has steadfastly refused to take any steps to protect its workers from diseases spread by blood borne pathogens, resulting in thousands of employees becoming infected with sexually transmitted diseases," remarked AHF President Weinstein in March. "Clarification and enhanced enforcement of the rules are called for."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
