AIDS Group Wants Condom Use in Porn Films

Says porn industry is promoting unsafe sex and spreading of STDs to actors

A California AIDS group is asking the state to step in and demand that the porn industry use condoms on film. Cases of AIDS being spread to porn actors and the illusion that safe sex is ok are why the group feels something needs to be done.

Reuters reports:

Most major porn companies shoot films without condoms, and some argue that using latex prophylactics would take away from the fantasy appeal of their product. The multibillion dollar U.S. industry is largely based in Los Angeles, and producers say they might leave if new laws make condom use unavoidable.

California officials argue that a vote is not necessary because the porn industry is already covered by workplace rules protecting employees from blood-borne pathogens. They say condoms are required in cases where adult film performers could be exposed to infection.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has issued over $125,000 in fines against porn producers in the past five years for various violations, but some of those citations are on appeal, according to figures from the agency.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation counters that city officials and the area's public health agency have been slow to crack down on the porn industry.