Well, it’s sort of film news, so we thought we’d include it! A couple of days ago, the Los Angeles City Council vote 9-1 to approve a law requiring condom use by porn performers, gay and straight. As the US porn industry is very much centred on LA (it’s believed 90% of US hardcore porn movies are made in the city), it could essentially mean an end to ‘barebacking’ for the major ‘erotic movie’ producers – if they stay in the city, that is.
The vote came after much lobbying from both sides, with porn producers saying their audience doesn’t want condoms and being forced to use them would destroy their business. They say consumers, particularly those overseas, have made it clear they won’t watch films when the actors use condoms, complaining that it is distracting and ruins the fantasy.
The pro-condom side says that not using them in porn is encouraging people not to use them in real-life, especially young people, and despite the extensive testing of performers, it potentially exposes them to STDs. It’s also true that technically Californian law already requires the use of condoms, with this law essentially being about enforcing that (it’s generally been ignored up to now), by denying film permits to production not using condoms.
Following the vote, rather than calming down and realising that perhaps the use of condom isn’t just responsible but won’t destroy the world of porn, the Washington Post reports several producers are now threatening to leave LA.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how in fact they do try to enforce it and who’s going to fund it, and all of the time and effort they’re going to spend,” said Steven Hirsch, co-founder and co-chairman of Los Angeles-based Vivid, one of the largest makers of erotic movies. “Ultimately I think what they will find is people will just stop shooting in the city of Los Angeles,” added Hirsch. “That’s a given.”
The measure now has to go to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to be endorsed before it becomes law.
Leave a Reply (if comment does not appear immediately, it may have been held for moderation)