California: Porn Filmmakers Sue L.A. Over Condom Law

Vivid Entertainment and Califa Productions, makers of pornography films in the United States, and actors Kayden Kross and Logan Pierce have sued Los Angeles County over Measure B, a new law requiring actors in adult movies to wear condoms during filming. They claim that the law is unconstitutional, that the porn film industry already regulates itself sufficiently to protect its actors against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and that the law violates the First Amendment right to free expression.

According to Steven Hirsch, founder of Vivid Entertainment, Measure B will have consequences that may undermine the industry efforts to protect the health of its actors and actresses. He claims that the measure will result in production moving abroad where there is no protection. Hirsch stated that he is very passionate about overturning the law, as he believes the industry's current system works well.

The California porn industry had to suspend production temporarily in 2011, when an actor tested positive for HIV. According to Film L.A. Inc., which issues permits for film companies shooting in an around Los Angeles, approximately five percent of the 45,500 permit days the agency issues per year are for pornographic films.

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