CANOGA PARK, Calif. – According to a report by the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, a proposed ballot measure could cost the state tens of millions of dollars, not only in tax revenue, but also potentially in legal fees. If it becomes law, the measure would allow any California resident to sue any adult film company, performer or distributor for perceived failure to comply with the law’s requirements.
The LAO, a non-partisan fiscal and policy advisory agency, suggested the proposed initiative could result in the billion-dollar adult industry migrating out of California or going underground.
According to legislative filings, the ballot measure would result in a taxpayer-subsidized office tasked with the review of every adult film shot in California in order to establish condoms was used. Additionally, the measure would install Michael Weinstein, head of the Los Angeles-based AIDS charity that submitted the proposal, as a “condom czar,” The new position would be taxpayer-funded, and the occupant of the quasi-governmental post could be removed only by a vote of the California legislature.
“The state stands to lose tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue, and thousands of vital jobs, for what is essentially a one-man moral crusade,” said Diane Duke, chief executive officer of adult industry trade organization Free Speech Coalition. The LAO analysis “supports what we’ve been saying [about Weinstein’s agenda] for years: It’s costly and wasteful and would ultimately hurt performers.”
Performers have opposed previous similar legislative proposals, taking the position that any effective regulation needs to begin with performer choice.
“Weinstein’s obsession with adult films will cost California tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue and will result in a loss of critical services for our communities,” Duke said. “Weinstein wants to line his pockets with taxpayer money and appoint himself Attorney General.”
