Condom Mandate in Porn: First LA, now California

AB 1567, a bill that would mandate condom use for actors in any adult film produced statewide in California, survived another key test on Wednesday. 

The state Assembly’s Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media passed the bill in a 4-1 vote, according to a press release issued by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The bill will now move to the Appropriations Committee for its next test.

The author of the bill, 64th District Assemblyman Isadore Hall III, said in a statement: 

Today’s 4-1 vote for my AB 1576 was a strong reaffirmation of the California Legislature’s commitment to protect workers in the state, regardless of the type of work performed. For too long, the adult film industry has thrived on a business model that exploits its workers and puts profit over workplace safety.

“This is common sense. This is good public policy. And it protects California workers simply trying to do their jobs,” added Whitney Engeran-Cordova, Senior Director of Public Health for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, one of the main supporters of the bill.

Several adult film performers voiced their support for the bill in testimony before the Assembly Committee, including Joshua Rodgers and Cameron Bay, both of whom contracted HIV during the time they were working.

According to a report in the Sacramento Bee, porn studios are strongly opposed to the bill. They argue that regular testing is already standard procedure for working performers, and legislation is unnecessary.

Furthermore, the adult film industry is reportedly worth $6 billion in the San Fernando Valley, according to an estimate by Stuart Waldman, President of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association.

Attorney Marc Randazza, who has experience within the porn industry, predicts that producers will flee California for more permissive states like Nevada if the bill becomes law. He says the bill could be the “final move to push all the businesses [here],” according to the Bee.

AB 1576 is a statewide version of Measure B, a “condoms in porn” law on the books in Los Angeles County since November 2012. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation was instrumental in Measure B’s passage as well.