LOS ANGELES — The Free Speech Coalition, responding to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s earlier announcement that it has submitted 360,000 petition signatures in a continuing effort to mandate the use of condoms in adult production, today called the Los Angeles county ballot initiative "unnecessary."
"What this announcement really means is that they have spent upwards of $2 million on paid signature gatherers to get a useless bill in front of L.A. County voters," the FSC said in a statement. "It is important that L.A. County voters understand the real issue behind AHF’s push for this unnecessary ballot measure."
The FSC said the AHF isn't being transparent with the public about facts associated with the industry and sexually transmitted diseases, calling the county condom measure "just their next and the latest business opportunity."
"The big difference with the adult film industry is that contact with the public occurs through television, computers and smartphones," the FSC said. "There is no direct contact with the public, so how can this be a public health issue?"
The FSC cited statistics to help back its argument that the industry located in Southern California can regulate itself.
"Since 2008, 6,300 new cases of HIV have been reported in L.A. County," the FSC said. "None of the 6,300 cases have occurred on an adult set. The rigorous testing protocols in place have resulted in a zero onset transmission of HIV for the past eight years.
"One concern raised in the county’s epidemiological profile is the number of people in L.A. County who are walking around with HIV but are untested. Testing every 28 days, adult performers are the most tested population in L.A. County."
In the statement, the FSC blasted the Los Angeles-based nonprofit group that provides HIV/AIDS education and services, calling the AHF misdirected.
"Unfortunately AIDS Healthcare Foundation has lost its service focus and is now in the HIV business and will do or say anything to increase their fame and fortune," the FSC said.
