Question

What safety precautions were taken to protect performers before the passage of Measure B? What new practices did Measure B mandate? What are the arguments in favor of mandated condom usage in pornography? What are the arguments against the mandate? How might mandatory use of condoms in pornographic movies impact the performers? The producers? The viewers? Do you think adult films become more or less erotic with on-screen condom use? Or does it make no difference to the viewer?

Answer 1

The answer of the following questions could be found as follows since the passage isn't mentioned. I will write the answers on the basis of general knowledge regarding the content.

The argument in favor of compulsory condoms in adult film is based on the notion set on any adult film production is just like any other work which requires rules and regulations regarding occupational health and safety procedures. With STIs being the most prominent risk factor for the employees of this sector, the health and safety procedures offered to mandate condom use in production of their employees' wellbeing.

However, many argue that the use of condoms is extremely important for encouraging safer-sex behaviours. With accessibility of adult film to even teenagers is increasing tremedously, the use of condoms by the workers sends out a clear message to the youth to encourage safer-sex behaviors. Researchers have suggested a highly positive correlation between viewing an adult film and a lack of condom use, resultant in a need for adult film to set the standard.

The negative side of the adult film side comprised the industry ideology that people do not like and will not watch adult film involving the use of condoms as they are not ‘sexy’ or appealing to the audience and thus, therefore the forced use of condoms would effectively bring down the huge revenue of this industry. The argument is seen to also be flawed as it ignores the role of adult films which could play in the creation of sexual norms, and the effect of role producer could play which could produce a new market for their product. This argument furthermore highlights the power dynamic within the industry where the industry practices voluntary standards which are the best way to regulate safer-sex practices, but on the other hand, undermines this argument by stating that their viewership would fall as they will not watch adult film involving the use of condoms.

The sex workers also faced challenges- the majority stated that forced condom use is a way of constricting sexual as well as artistic freedom. A majority of sex worker enjoy performing without condoms and do not wish to have that practice restricted with the use of condoms. As this is seen particularly relevant in an industry where workers are increasingly becoming more independent, the workers are seen to have greater share of democracy to control their own sexual and artistic practices.

Potentially it is to be noted that condoms are not the only way to stop the spread of STIs. Workers engage in a wide range of other safer-sex practices which include regular STI testing, engaging in serosorting, taking PrEP, or using other preventative measures such as femidoms. While there have been a huge number of high-profile cases of performers contracting STIs over the past years, the prevalent spread of STIs within the industry especially in places such as California, United States, is drastically very low.

Thus it could be concluded that the mandated usage of condoms in adult movies, has had its shares of positives/pros, as well as negatives/cons. As it is not only impacting the sex workers, or the producers but is also seen hampering the viewership of their adult films movies as they are seen to become less erotic with on-screen condom use.

Hope this answers your question, in case it doesnt please feel free to reach out with your doubt so that i could help you out further.

Good luck, Ruhi