California assemblyman calls for condom use in porn films

Tuesday, August 24th 2004, 9:00 am

By: News On 6

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (AP) _ A state assemblyman has asked the adult entertainment industry to adopt safe-sex measures or face the possibility of a law that would compel performers to use condoms.

Assemblyman Paul Koretz, chairman of the Labor and Employment Committee, said adult film stars should receive workplace health and safety protections like other Californians.

``I strongly encourage and fully expect the adult entertainment industry to require the use of condoms,'' said Koretz, a Democrat from West Hollywood, in a letter mailed to 185 porn producers and publishers last Monday. ``Failure to do so is irresponsible and invites the Legislature to exercise its authority to mandate more stringent actions.''

Koretz's comments follow a recent HIV scare that prompted producers to stop filming for a few weeks. Two actors tested positive for the virus.

``I don't think it's the place of the authorities to decide whether the (actors) are to use condoms or not,'' said Lexington Steele, president of Mercenary Pictures, who, like many other producers, opposes mandating condom use.