California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health rejected a new set of standards that, among other things, would have required condoms to be used on the sets of porn films across the state.
The measure comprised of a 21-page set of standards received three “yes” notes and two “no” votes, but required four affirmative votes to pass.
Adult-film actors, writers, directors and producers opposing the new measures gave five hours of testimony on the issue in Oakland on Thursday, as did advocates supporting it, including members of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
“I ask you not to approve this policy that will endanger me and my colleagues,” said actress Maxine Holloway.
“The industry had been complaining that the reason they were violating the regulations was because they didn’t apply to them,” said Adam Cohen with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “This will put on the books, officially, that the state of California sees adult film employees as deserving of worker health and safety protections.”
Condoms have been a requirement in Los Angeles film productions since 2012, when a law advocated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation was approved and signed into law.