On Jan. 17, 2012, Los Angeles’ city council passed a law requiring mandatory condom use in adult films. The adult film’s trade association, the Free Speech Coalition, is against the law. “We just don’t believe their (Los Angeles’ city council’s) way is the best way,” said Christian Mann, a member of the board of directors for the Free Speech Coalition to John Rogers of Associated Press. Mann is also the general manager of Evil Angel Productions, a company that produces pornographic films. The actors and actresses are tested every 30 days for HIV, which makes the new law seem ridiculous in the eyes of porn producers. Even though condoms may feel restrictive to those involved in the adult film industry, isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?
I think condom use is a good idea. Although condoms reduce the sensations felt during sex, these are actors wearing the condoms. They are paid to act like they are having the greatest sex in the world. As someone who watches porn (for the sake of research for this article, of course), the thought that any of the actors or actresses could catch an STI never crossed my mind. I saw naked bodies and was more than content (with the research I gathered). I got to see sexual acts while the actors and actresses involved were protected for STIs. Porn producers may not be happy about the inclusion of condoms, but their audience still gets to see sex. I call that a win.
Rogers also reported that after the law passed, many porn filmmakers planned to move elsewhere. When Bob Huber, Mayor of Simi Valley, got wind of this, he said he would push to pass the same law in his county if the porn producers set up shop in Simi Valley. From what I have read, no move has occurred in the Los Angeles adult film industry. While LA’s job market would take a hit, these new openings can help the economy of struggling cities. The unemployed would no longer have to scour the jobs section in the newspaper for a third part-time job. All they would have to do is think of a clever phallic-sounding name. They may not have the traditional body type for porn, but there must be a small market for those attracted to out of shape 40 year-old Caucasian males. Sex burns calories. Give them a few months and a dozen films and they will have washboard abs in no time.
Even if LA loses all of its porn industry, the city can still make some money. Porn enthusiasts can go on tours where they visit different sets used in the films. Tourists can take pictures of their loved ones sitting on the bed where the famous threesome of Naughty Cop 2: Deep Undercover took place.
Will mandatory condom use in adult films change the porn world as we know it? | Erin Quirk/The Minaret
It ends at a souvenir shop where you can buy a tiny bottle of lube and t-shirt that reads, “I saw where the Fuego Twins gave an entire rugby team blowjobs and all I got was this lousy t-shirt”. Why stop at tours when LA can devote an entire museum to the porn industry? There can be wall-to-wall memorabilia from countless adult films. There can be exhibits devoted to the first know practices of film sexual acts. Famous porn stars can stop by for visits and discuss the fundamentals of a successful career in the porn industry (perfect for field trips).
If all of Los Angeles’ porn industry does not move to other states, they can always use the condoms to enhance the films. There are several condom brands that design condoms with ridges or rings in order to enhance the experience for their partners. Actors can distinguish themselves by the color condom they wear during each film. Too bad Big Red has already been claimed by a chewing gum company.
The adult film actors can become spokespeople for certain brands of condoms. Instead of a commercial where a couple talks about how the condom is ringed to enhance her experience, viewers can watch the product in action and hear the actors and actresses give their testimonials. The porn stars in the film can walk around like Nascar drivers, with jackets displaying their favorite condom brands.
If a porn star becomes famous enough, he or she can start his or her own brand of condoms.
It is like the adult film star equivalent of starting a clothing line. Sex is so prevalent in our society; the adult film actors and actresses can become spokespeople for condom use. They can warn teens that a condom can save them from becoming potential candidates for Teen Mom or Sixteen and Pregnant. What is more expensive: A pack of condoms or a pack of Pampers?
Even though the adult film industry didn’t want this law to pass, it will help more than it will harm. People who see porn stars using condoms while still enjoying the sex will be more inclined to wear a rubber next time they have sex.
Since sex is so prevalent in our society, if condom use becomes the norm, it can help anyone who has sex. At least the law allows porn stars to forgo condom use during oral sex. While porn producers aren’t happy, condom or no condom, the viewers will still see the sex they want to see.
Jake Koniszewski can be reached at john.koniszewski@spartans.ut.edu.
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This is awkward.
Great “tongue in cheek” viewpoint! That’s my boy! You do have vision! My, my, my, my, my! Love You! Mom