LOS ANGELES – The Free Speech Coalition has hired Ian Timothy O’Brien to fill the newly created position Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. O’Brien will work directly with regulators of both the pleasure products and adult film industries to compile, analyze and provide accurate, evidence-based research on issues ranging from zoning and lubricants to workplace safety and public health. He also will work with the board of directors for Performers Availability Scheduling Services to analyze data and further improve health-testing protocols, as well as developing sexual health campaigns and public service announcements.

Additionally, O’Brien will compile and evaluate research about the industry as a whole in an effort to combat pseudo-scientific concepts like porn addiction and the alleged “porn public health crisis.” FSC sees debunking myths as a crucial focus at a time when more than two dozen states are using questionable studies to ban or censor adult content.

“I’m thrilled to be able to contribute to the important work being done by the FSC team,” said O’Brien, who possesses master’s degree in public health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “Regulators and legislators have traditionally marginalized and stigmatized the adult industry, conflating ideology with research. But bad data leads to bad policy and to even worse public health outcomes. The adult industry has a unique opportunity to be at the vanguard of sexual health and rights, and create positive, lasting change.”

Most recently, O’Brien worked at RCHN Community Health Foundation, where he conducted research and analyzed policy implications for at-risk populations in New York.

“With a director of scientific and regulatory affairs, FSC becomes a much stronger organization,” said Executive Director Eric Paul Leue. “Ian’s experience in public health allows us to have a more authoritative voice in the policies and regulations that affect our performers, producers and consumers. Now, more than ever, facts matter, and I’m excited to have him on the team.

“In adding a director of scientific and regulatory affairs to the staff, the Free Speech Coalition grows to a full-time staff of four, a first in our organization’s history and an important investment into its future,” Leue continued. “Our members make this growth possible, and we are in a position to build on the successes of the past year.”

Leue projected the organization’s membership will grow by 33 percent in 2017 as more companies realize the power of a strong trade association.

Image: the FSC team, from left, Director of Policy and Industry Relations Siouxsie Q, Executive Director Eric Paul Leue and Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Ian O’Brien.