Porn Stars Speak Out Against Condom Law

Is L.A.'s new prophylactics law healthy or oppressive?

While many in Washington and Colorado have been cautiously rejoicing since marijuana was legalized at the state level election night, there are grumbles from some in California about a bill of a different sort that voters approved.

In Los Angeles County, where the adult film industry is prominent, Measure B mandates condom use by people making porn in the county. Supporters say the measure -- crafted after a worker in the adult film industry tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease -- will better ensure public health. But opponents, most of them adult film industry professionals, say the measure, which passed with 56 percent of county voter support, is bad for business.

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"It's not going to have a big effect like everyone thinks," said veteran porn star Mr. Marcus, who was involved in a recent STD controversy concerning syphilis. "L.A. County is a small community in the industry. This industry ranges from San Francisco to Miami to overseas. There's other places that you can shoot it. When I heard it, I didn't think much of it, but it's the first step in trying to make the whole industry use condoms."

City Councilman Bill Rosendahl introduced Measure B last year after a porn actor tested positive for HIV in a San Fernando clinic.

“We can’t keep our heads in the sand any longer,” Rosendahl said. “These people should be using condoms. Period.”

The local porn industry began regulating itself on the issue of STDs in 2004 with frequent testing on its own after an HIV outbreak. However, with backing from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, word spread about Measure B and it eventually made it onto the ballot for voters to weigh in. From the first, the measure has been met with resistance from people working in the porn industry. Some charge the mandate smacks of bullying and a violation of porn actors' rights about what they do with their bodies.

"I feel it's the same thing as abortion, you can't make someone get one, you can't make somebody not get one," retired porn actress India told Loop21. "Wearing a condom or not is up to the individual. I don't think someone should have the right to say that everybody has to use a condom. At the end of the day, it's my body.

"Most people who voted don't like porn so it was an unfair vote anyway," she continued. "If I don't want to wear condoms that's my business. Why are you in my business? Taking that right away from us pushes us in a corner. We can't decide for ourselves and it's not right."

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Mr. Marcus agrees adding, "This is an industry with consenting adults. The law is forcing these same consenting adults to do something. It boils down to free speech. The law is overreaching."

In addition to feeling as if their rights are being violated, porn workers also say the law will have a negative impact on their livelihoods.