Health Safety Board Votes Down Regulations On Porn Performers
Many in the industry turned out to ask the Division of Occupational Safety and Health's Standard Board to reject the safety measure that could require the actors to wear condoms, goggles, face shields and gloves.
Los Angeles Daily News:
Porn Industry Wins Battle Against California Regulators Over Condoms, Eyewear On Film Shoots
The adult-film industry claimed victory Thursday after California regulators voted against passing a set of standards that would have mandated condoms and eye protection as well as other protective barriers during all porn production across the state. About 100 adult-film performers spoke during a nearly six-hour hearing held by the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board in Oakland, each one testifying they were against the proposed regulations because they went too far. The regulations, many performers said, would force the adult film industry out of California, where it is made legally, and into other states, where no laws exist. In addition, performers said regulations such as the use of “personal protective equipment” for eyes, for example, would ruin the aesthetics and fantasy of pornographic films. (Abram, 2/18)
The Associated Press:
Calif. Board Rejects Measure Specifying Condom Use In Porn
[Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s Standards Board] members appeared influenced by the large number of industry representatives, ranging from actors to writers to directors, who argued forcefully but politely during five hours of testimony. If the proposed regulations didn’t destroy their multibillion-dollar industry, they said, they would likely force it underground. Doing that, they added, could be even worse for performers by eliminating existing safeguards such as the industry’s requirement that actors be tested every 14 days for sexually transmitted diseases. “I ask you not to approve this policy that will endanger me and my colleagues,” said porn actress Maxine Holloway. (Rogers, 2/19)
Contra Costa Times:
Porn Stars Applaud Failed VOte On Tighter Rules
More than 100 adult film workers at a packed auditorium erupted in cheers Thursday afternoon after a state workplace protection board shot down proposed regulations that some predicted would have spelled the end of California's legal porn industry. After hours of emotional testimony at the Elihu M. Harris State Building by porn actors, producers, agents and couples who broadcast sex through a webcam in their own home, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards board fell one vote short of approving new rules requiring the performers to use condoms, goggles, gloves and other fluid barriers, while recording sex acts. The board voted 3-2 in favor of the regulations, but a fourth vote was needed for approval. (Gafni, 2/19)
KQED:
Should Porn Stars Use Condoms? California Grapples With Regulation
California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health rejected proposed regulations Thursday that would have required actors in all pornography films statewide to use condoms. Cal/OSHA's Standards Board voted 3-2 to accept the new regulations, but needed four "yes" votes to pass them. (Dembosky, 2/18)