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California Board says Porn Stars do not have to use Condoms

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: Feb 19, 2016 10:21 AM EST

The California Board failed to approve a measure on Thursday that would have required adult film stars to use condoms and other forms of products designed to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health's Standards Board (Osha) voted 3-2 with one absent member in favor but four "yes" votes were needed in order to pass the proposal, the Cal/Osha spokeswoman Julia Bernstein said. There is currently a spot vacant on the seven-member board.

During the five-hour long testimony, the producers, owners and actors had claimed that enforcing the measure would cause their audience to lose interest because no one wants to watch a male actor with a condom on. They also stated that by allowing the use of condoms now, the Cal/Osha might later approve the use of other devices, such as dental dams, which are also not appealing to watch.

The members of the porn industry added that eventually, all of them would be at-risk of losing their jobs. There is also a possibility that the industry decides to go "under" and not follow any regulations at all, which could increase health risks.

"I know you guys work really hard and have our best interests at stake, but we need you to work with us to find a solution," porn actress SiouxsieQ said reported by FOX News. "When you criminalize sex work in any way, you make it more dangerous."

The members did acknowledge that some regulation is needed. The other part of the 21-page proposal included requiring movie producers to pay for the actors' health care costs, which include standard health visits and medications.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation had pushed for the approval of the proposal.

"People have suffered serious consequences due to lack of regulation in this industry," head of the foundation, Michael Weinstein said.

The board will now discuss a new measure to ensure safety for porn actors.

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