New Law in L.A. Makes Condoms for Porn Stars Mandatory

Adult film actors in Los Angeles now have a new position to learn: practicing safe sex in any film that is shot within city limits.

The New York Timesreports that, as of Tuesday, the Los Angeles City council created a new mandate requiring all actors in pornographic films to wear condoms during any filming that takes place in L.A. Backed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the final goal is to create the same requirements for filming across the entire Los Angeles County.

Existing regulations by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health require adult actors to use condoms. However, the state agency can only respond to complaints and has issued only a few fines. The new mandate will now allow the Los Angeles Police Department to perform inspections on any set once a film permit is issued, giving the county a stronger hold on ensuring the law is followed.

Several adult filmmakers who have opposed the new law claim usage of condoms in the industry is unnecessary and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is reduced by requiring actors to get regularly tested.

Critics have also rejected the new law due to speculations of the city's financial capabilities. However, Councilman Paul Koretz states, "This is a no-brainer of an issue. It's not going to cost us very much to enforce--we won't spend any more money enforcing this than we do any other law. And in this case, if you don't follow the law, it will be on film."

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