While the rest of the country decides today whether Barack Obama or Mitt Romney becomes president, Los Angeles County voters are deciding if porn actors must wear condoms on the set.
The issue, “Measure B,” is short for the “Safer Set in the Adult Film Industry Act” has been kept under wraps somewhat, but if it passes, producers will be required to apply from the L.A. County Department of Health before shooting a porn scene. Part of the permit fee would pay for random inspections to make sure the performers are using condoms.
(We’re not sure if they’re hiring inspectors, in case you’re wondering.)
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation pushed for the ballot measure, saying the rule is a matter of public safety. Porn actors on average have more STDs than Nevada’s prostitutes, the foundation said. Most straight porn actors don’t use condoms, but gay porn actors do.
Measure backers also note that porn actors often don’t have insurance, so taxpayers end up paying their health care bills.
But opponents complain the bill goes too far and blocks basic freedoms. And other opponents say the measure will drive adult film production out of Los Angeles County. California and New Hampshire are the only two states in the U.S. where filming porn movies is legal.
Porn legend Nina Hartley is one person blasting the bill.
It’s a bad idea. It’s bad for public health. It’s bad policy. It’s bad politics. And it’s unconstitutional.