Bill to Expand Condom Use in Adult Movies Hits Roadblock

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A bill mandating the use of condoms in adult movies filmed anywhere in the state has been shelved by an Assembly committee, likely preventing its consideration until next year.

AB332 would require adult film producers to adopt a plan to prevent performers from being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases, including but not limited to using condoms. The law would be enforced by the state Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board.

The law, sponsored by Assemblywoman Isadore Hall III, D-Compton, was shelved by the California Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday. It had been strongly opposed by the San Fernando Valley porn industry.

The law is similar to Measure B, the ballot initiative approved by voters in November that requires condom usage on adult film sets within Los Angeles County, and an ordinance passed by the Los Angeles City Council in January.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a Hollywood health care provider, was the major backer of the bill and the two local laws. AHF President Michael Weinstein said in a prepared statement that his group will seek to revive the bill this year.

“There are still three months in this legislative year, which is more than enough time to successfully provide statewide protections for adult film workers,” he said, adding that the issue may need to be taken directly to voters in a state ballot measure.

Hall also promised to continue pursuing the legislation.

Diane Duke, chief executive of the Free Speech Coalition, a Canoga Park adult industry trade association, said the committee’s decision to table the bill shows its members understand that mandating condoms in adult films is not a priority.

“We have been educating legislators about this issue, and the thing is that when we do educate them it is an easy decision to make,” she said.