LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Today, Calif. Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III (D-Los Angeles) released the following statement in response to news reports that at least one adult film actor has tested positive for HIV and that the adult film industry has imposed an immediate halt to all adult film production in California until further notice.
“There is no happy ending to this story. Reports of a confirmed HIV transmission in the adult film industry is a devastating and preventable tragedy. Exposing workers to this type of harm would not be accepted in any other industry in this nation.
“The industry’s testing only policy has failed. The fact is a voluntary testing only policy is as effective at preventing the spread of STDs as a pregnancy test is at preventing pregnancy. Short of requiring condoms in all adult films, this type of tragedy will continue and California workers will continue to be exposed to injury, harm and potentially death.
“The industry should immediately stop all production of adult films in California until any actors or members of the public that have been potentially exposed to HIV are tested by licensed medical professionals to determine the extent of this outbreak. Adult film production should only resume with comprehensive workplace safety protocols in place, including requiring condom use in all California adult films. I also call upon the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) to begin an immediate independent investigation into the cause and extent of this outbreak.
“Too much time has been wasted while California workers have been harmed. The time to act is now. Earlier this year, I authored AB 332 which would require frequent testing of STDs and mandatory condom use in adult films produced in California. With only a few weeks left of the legislative session, I am committed to working with legislative leaders and the Governor to move forward with legislation that will protect adult film workers throughout California.”
Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III, represents California’s 64th Assembly District that includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington in Los Angeles County.
Note: Article based on press release as provided by the office of Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III.
