Pornography may be alluring for the fantasies that different actors and scenarios present. But because pornography attempts to create exciting sexual fantasies that often don’t take place in real life, most male actors don’t wear condoms so as not to acknowledge the consequences of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
But these unsafe practices clearly pose a health hazard to porn actors. Safe sex and protection are practices that should be undertaken by everyone, including actors within the porn industry.
This past week, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation proposed an initiative in California that would require male porn actors to wear condoms during intercourse.
The safety of workers in the pornography industry should not be sacrificed for the entertainment of its viewers.
While a similar California measure was passed in 2004 with little enforcement, this measure has more support and would also be a stricter and more concise state law, giving it much more strength.
Some officials may oppose the measure because they do not believe that it is worth funding if it cannot be enforced.
Yet, enforcement by permit would be stricter than ever. If passed, the measure would require companies to get a public health permit and pay a permit fee certifying that its actors were using protection.
Requiring pornography companies to get permits would make enforcement easier, as officials could simply check whether or not the company had taken this measure.
If this were enacted, regular check-ups could be conducted and enforcement would be stronger than ever.
Additionally, the fact that the ballot is being taken to the public would give the public a say, rather than letting often absentee government officials handle the matter.
While pornography is an industry unlike any other, it still poses dangers like other industries and its workers should be protected.
If construction workers get protection from working in unsafe conditions, those in the pornography industry should be afforded the same consideration.
Condoms may be a deterrent to some viewers watching pornography, as they disrupt the fantasy-like element porn films present to viewers. However, ensuring medical safety is more important than however many viewers the industry may lose.
Email Chu at bchu@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to opinion@media.ucla.edu.