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PHOENIX from www.kpho.com – A condom controversy could push the adult film industry to move some operations out of southern California, and some believe Arizona stands to gain a piece of that business, like it or not.
The city of Los Angeles has passed a measure requiring porn stars to use condoms if they are shooting within city limits.
Not everyone in the industry is happy about it. Some say viewers don’t want to see a condom during a steamy sex scene. Others believe the government is overreaching.
“As a performer, I prefer the government isn’t in there inspecting my genitalia all the time,” said Taryn Thomas, an adult film star currently based in Phoenix.
Thomas said with the Arizona Porn Star Ball convention happening in Tempe next month, she and many others believe filmmakers will be looking for opportunities to make movies in Arizona.
“Over the three or four days, the companies and performers are here, they’re definitely going to be scoping out Arizona,” said Thomas.
Health advocates defend the law, saying it will protect performers from STDs.
“Everyone has a role to play to end the unsafe working conditions in this industry,” said Michael Weinstein, of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, in a press conference last month that was covered by a CBS 5 affiliate station.
“We are some of the most tested people in the world,” said Thomas. “I think I can speak for most of the performers. We’re not anti-condom. We’re pro-choice.”
CBS 5 News also contacted the Arizona Commerce Authority. They had no comment.