Porn Productions Set To Restart After HIV Scare

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Cameras in the Southern California adult entertainment industry will soon be rolling again following an HIV scare that forced an industry-wide shutdown.

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports production is set to resume Friday despite denials of a rumored fourth performer testing positive for HIV.

The Free Speech Coalition, an adult entertainment industry advocacy group, declared a self-imposed, two-week moratorium on filming after three performers tested positive for HIV back earlier this month.

With no new cases emerging, the trade group has called for production to resume on the condition that actors undergo health screenings every 14 days in order to work in the industry.

Some Angelenos, however, still expressed doubts about the efficiency of self-regulation.

"I think that it should be mandatory condoms," said Sabrina. "It's safer, and it's just more reliable."

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has endorsed a similar call for aggressive enforcement of a Los Angeles County regulation requiring adult film performers to wear condoms, which was upheld by a federal judge in August.

AB 332, a statewide bill sponsored by AHF, which would have required condoms be used on adult film sets, was placed on hold in May by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

The Free Speech Coalition issued a statement Sept. 9 denying rumors of a fourth performer testing positive for HIV and suggesting AHF was behind the allegations.

"This information came from AHF who is currently trying to push regulation on the industry and has, on many occasions, reported false information to the media to advance their political agenda," the group said in a statement.