Will porn actors in California soon have to wear safety goggles?
Porn actors in California would be made to wear protection for their eyes, as well as other parts of their body, if new regulations come into play.
Five years after public hearings began on the proposed regulations for porn films, they are close to being finalised.
However, the regulations have proven controversial, as they would require porn actors to wear protective eye gear during filming.
The regulations aim to stop actors from passing sexually transmitted diseases to one another, and also include the requirement for producers to pay for medical tests and hep B vaccines for actors.
Diane Duke, the CEO of the Free Speech coalition, however, said the regulations were not appropriate to be applied to adult films.
She told LA Daily News: “These are regulations designed for medical settings, and are unworkable on an adult film set – or even a Hollywood film set.”
Those within the porn industry have complained that the new regulations would damage business by limiting production.
Others have said producers will leave LA for other states with less stringent regulations.
Michael Weinstein, executive director of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, wrote a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration saying producers were able to circumvent laws requiring actors to wear condoms.
“Getting to this point is a necessary part of the process, and we’re pleased that this has been completed,” said Weinstein.
“The process is designed to give everybody a say. I think it was conducted fairly.”
