California just voted against forcing porn actors to wear condoms

Harry Readhead

California wake safety officials voted against the plan (Picture: Alamy)

California work safety officials have voted against forcing porn actors to wear condoms to prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases, and one of the reasons why is that it could mean they’d have to wear safety goggles too.

The Aids Healthcare Foundation had lobbied California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s Standards Board for stricter workplace safety rules in porn. Performers are required to be tested for STDs every fortnight, but the Foundation nonetheless said that enforcing the wearing of condoms would reduce the spread.
But porn industry representatives have voted against it, not only because it was a turn-off for viewers and could push the industry underground (where health risks would be greater) but because it could also lead to the establishment of further safety procedures, such as wearing safety goggles.

There were fears enforcing the rule would push porn underground, increasing health risks (Picture: Getty Images)

And we’re sure you’ll agree that there’s something very un-erotic about safety goggles.

‘When you criminalise sex work in any way, you make it more dangerous,’ said porn actress and journalist Siouxsie Q.
The porn trade association the Free Speech Coalition said despite this ruling that it was keen to work with officials to improve safety. In Los Angeles County, condoms are required wearing for porn actors under rules brought in in 2012.