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Los Angeles – from www.takepart.com – Condom use is part of safe-sex messaging the world over—the latex sheaths prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of potentially deadly diseases.

You wouldn’t know simple prophylaxis even existed by looking at the vast bulk of the $13-billion adult-film industry’s output. Condom use appears to be the last XXX taboo.

Performers are told they won’t make any money wearing a condom, that the reality of sexual responsibility intrudes on the fantasy scenario, and that men—the majority of the audience for adult films—just don’t want to see a safety device.

But after several HIV scares in recent years, including one in late 2010 that virtually shut down the “adult” industry, Los Angeles lawmakers have decided the porn business can no longer regulate itself.

Last week, a unanimous Los Angeles City Council voted to draft an ordinance that would require condom use on all film sets in the city. Since the much of the industry is based in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley, the condom requirement could reverberate throughout the adult world.

Safer sex advocates have been battling with X-rated producers for years, insisting that a testing clinic set up to ensure porn performers’ HIV tests were up to date was only a “fig leaf” for porn studios.

One ex-performer told The New York Times:

“At first, I would ask about condoms, and they told me I’d never be able to find work,” Ms. Meza said. “You do worry about the risk, but any girl desperate for money, like I was, is still going to do it.”

Traditionally, gay and straight porn studios have taken opposite approaches to safe sex on the set.

Condom use is almost de rigeur on gay sets, since the target audience is much more familiar with the risk of HIV infection, and producers make an effort to encourage safe sex among the community. The gay adult industry has also launched official campaigns to encourage fans to use condoms.

Without widespread condom use, straight companies have relied on a testing regimen, which has drawn fire in recent months.

The Los Angeles City Attorney is studying the issue to draw up the draft ordinance. If enacted, the Times reports, the law would probably tie film permits to condom use.