FSC Lobbies Against Potential Mandatory Condom Legislation
by Sue Denim
YNOT – Free Speech Coalition on Wednesday travelled to Sacramento, Calif., to lobby against possible mandatory condom legislation and to speak to legislators about workplace safety for the adult industry. The meetings with state representatives followed recent concerns raised by CalOSHA inspections at several adult production companies, as well as current litigation filed against CalOSHA by Adult Industry Medical Healthcare.
“This was an extremely successful visit to the California state capital,” FSC Executive Director Diane Duke said. “FSC was not only able to educate members of key legislative offices, but also learn the most effective way to approach potential mandatory condom legislation as well as increased pressure from CalOSHA. We had an incredible group of industry professionals. The adult entertainment industry was well represented.”
Attorney and FSC board chairman Jeffrey Douglas, AIM consultant and University of Southern California Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology Dr. Aaron Aronow, Wicked Pictures Vice President and FSC board member Joy King and adult starlet Angelina Armani accompanied Duke. The group spoke to legislators about the potential mandatory condom legislation, the effectiveness of industry self-regulation and workplace safety standards for adult producers.
“I was very impressed with the conscientiousness and thoughtfulness of the staff we met with,” Douglas said. “We were able to communicate accurate information about the industry and its practices, and they were receptive to being educated.”
King, who is a regular participant in lobbying activities on behalf of the adult industry, added, “It’s always an honor to represent the Free Speech Coalition and the entire adult industry to our lawmakers in Sacramento. Our proactive approach and informative dialog has always been well received by legislators and continues to help protect the welfare of our great industry.”
Armani represented the concerns of adult talent and helped explain the realities of working as a performer, as well as the value of FSC efforts to promote better workplace practices.
“I was honored to accompany the FSC to Sacramento,” she said. “It gave an opportunity to have a performer dispel misconceptions the bill makers at the capitol may have had about our industry. It is of dire importance that performers get involved with what the FSC is trying to accomplish, as they are there to protect our right to perform and make adult entertainment. I plan to take part in more of the FSC’s activities in the future and encourage my fellow performers to do the same.”
Aranow summarized the day’s meetings as effective and said he hopes, going forward, legislators will be open to discussions with adult industry experts and professionals before proposing any legislation that may be unworkable for the industry.
“We were able to educate those we spoke with at the legislative offices and have meaningful discussions that involved asking difficult questions,” he said. “Hopefully these efforts will result in sound policy rather than hastily and emotionally motivated mandates.”
For more information about lobbying efforts or workplace safety issues, contact FSC at (818) 348-9373 or email Duke.
Sue Denim is a freelance writer specializing in sexuality and the adult entertainment industry.
