Free Speech Coalition, the adult industry trade association, has announced the addition of Cutting Edge Testing, a new testing health center located in Sherman Oaks, to its APHSS.org program.

The center is under the direction of infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Miao. Former Adult Industry Medical Healthcare (AIM clinic) employees Jennifer Mooney and Bobi Seybold comprise the medical support staff at Cutting Edge.

“We are extremely excited to have Cutting Edge added to our list of providers,” said Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Diane Duke. “Dr. Miao is a well known and well-respected infectious disease specialist who will provide top notch testing and care for our performers. Those are critical components of our APHSS.org program.”

APHSS.org was created to fill the gap left by the closure of the AIM clinic, and to carry on health & safety protocols for adult productions. The program and availability index were developed by FSC, working with legal and medical experts, industry members and Internet technology consultants.

Cutting Edge will provide the most advanced HIV testing available today (PCR- RT-RNA) as well as Chlamydia and gonorrhea at a cost of $120 for the performer panel with an estimated 24 hour turnaround time.

“We have missed providing testing and health services to performers. After spending nine years working at AIM, many of the performers are like family,” said staff member Seybold. “What is really exciting is the quality of care the performers will get from Dr Miao – he’s the best!”

Other APHSS.org providers include AMTC and the Healing Wave Center. APHSS plans to continue to build on their base of testing and health centers including signing on centers in other cities and states. “We heard from performers, producers and agents that they want more choices,” said Duke. “Quality of care is the first priority and there are a number of quality providers eager to work with our industry. We will continue our efforts to find exceptional partners to join our program resulting in an increased number of choices without decreasing the quality of care.”

Performers, agents and producers can go to www.APHSS.org and click “sign-up” to be led through a simple registration process. Other information that is available at the website includes links to testing facilities, FAQs and contact information. Users are encouraged to view the FAQs on the website; if they have further questions, they can contact FSC.

Cutting Edge Testing is located at 5000 Van Nuys Blvd., #202, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. Contact them at (818) 386-2132, or info@cuttingedgetesting.com.

(Graphic: courtesy of Nevit)

The LA City Council voted this morning, in open session, to approve a mandatory condom ordinancethat would require adult productions to comply with condom usage on any adult set requiring a film permit in the Los Angeles City limits. The ordinance was approved 9-1.

The action was considered procedural after last week the city council green-lighted formation of a committee to decide on enforcement procedures for the ordinance. Reportedly, this committee will be made up of personnel from the City Attorney’s office, LAPD and personnel department, as well as state regulatory officials.

“The Council’s decision is yet another example of government overreach and intrusion. The regulations imposed are without any input from the stakeholders most impacted—adult performers and producers,” Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Diane Duke said. “Mandatory condom regulation will not increase performer safety, it will diminish the successful standards and protocols already in place and compromise performer health. Government regulation of sexual behavior between consenting adults is, and has always been, a bad idea. The government has no business in our bedrooms—real or fantasy.”

The only member of the City Council to vote against the ordinance was Councilman Mitchell Englander, who represents the San Fernando Valley. Clearly, Englander realizes the negative financial impact on the area that may potentially result from today’s unnecessary move toward governmental regulation – especially at a time when the state recently introduced broad funding cuts to many services, and when state regulatory agency Cal/OSHA is reportedly under-staffed and under-funded.

Two other city council members, Bill Rosendahl and Paul Koretz, spearheaded the condom ordinance, in what they termed as an effort to save taxpayer money.

In December, AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) condom ballot petition produced the required number of signatures to make mandatory condoms an issue for Los Angeles voters in June’s citywide elections. In order to save the expense of bringing the issue to the ballot, as well as any litigation that would follow, the City Council moved to enact the ordinance.

Both Rosendahl and Koretz have accepted donations from AHF President Michael Weinstein.

The Los Angeles City Attorney had filed a complaint in December against AHF’s ballot initiative, citing earlier court decisions ruling that Cal/OSHA could not pass regulatory enforcement responsibilities on to local agencies, including the Film LA permitting agency. The City Attorney speculated at that time, if passed, the ballot initiative also would be challenged on constitutional grounds.

AHF and its President Michael Weinstein have waged a relentless campaign against the adult industry since 2009 under the guise of “protecting” performers and the public health. AHF’s efforts were a major factor in the closure of the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare (AIM) clinic, which upheld successful performer testing protocols since the industry moved to self-regulate in 1998. The organization also has filed numerous complaints against adult businesses including Hustler, Vivid and industry talent agencies.

Weinstein’s grandstanding on the condom issue is groundless – using provocative language like “epidemic” and quoting statistics that have proven to be inaccurate – Weinstein has politicized the issue of mandatory condom use while alienating the industry he claims to protect. He also has suggested that the City Council add an $85 fee to film permits for adult productions, in order to fund enforcement.

Currently, Film LA reports that only five percent of total film permits are used for adult productions.

Strangely enough, the City Council actions coincide with major adult industry trade shows scheduled for the month of January. The announcement of last week’s vote to approve the motion to form an enforcement committee came during the XBIZ LA Show, held in West Hollywood. AHF protested at the XBIZ Awards ceremony on January 10, where Hustler founder Larry Flynt and FSC’s Diane Duke were honored, among many other industry leaders and performers.

This morning’s city council vote was taken while many industry members are in Las Vegas for the Adult Entertainment Expo.

The LA City Council today approved a motion to create an ordinance that would require adult productions to show proof of condom use, in order to be issued a film permit.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) recently gathered enough petition signatures to put mandatory condom regulation through film permits on the ballot for the Los Angeles City election to be held in June. AHF’s President Michael Weinstein also has stated that the HIV nonprofit organization would push to have the condom initiative placed on countywide ballots for the November election.

AHF’s relentless attacks on the adult industry have been orchestrated to portray rates of adult performer STIs as a “public health threat” and Weinstein’s grandstanding on the issues uses emotionally-charged tactics by calling the situation an “epidemic” and by quoting statistics that have proven to be inaccurate.

FSC has led the opposition to AHF’s needless, self-serving anti-adult agenda and also has made every effort to cooperate with state health & safety regulatory agency Cal/OSHA.

“Performer health and safety is a priority for the adult film industry, which is why the industry’s standards and self regulations have been successful as represented by the industry’s low rate of STI transmission and no transmission of HIV in the industry in more than 5 years!” FSC Executive Director Diane Duke stated in response to today’s developments.

“Government regulation of film-making would likely undermine existing health and safety efforts and industry standards that are effective as well as take the government into dangerous new territory.

“This approach betrays our Constitution; it betrays the hard lessons we’ve learned in the 25-year fight against HIV/AIDS; and it betrays aggressive health and safety efforts in place that are proven and effective,” Duke added.

Speculation on actions taken by the City Council today suggests that the council may be taking preemptive steps to prevent the ballot initiative from reaching voters, in order to prevent cost to taxpayers from the election and – if the initiative was passed – any litigation that might follow.

The LA City Attorney had already filed suit to stop the ballot initiative from being considered for the election, citing that if the initiative were passed by voters, it would likely later be brought to court – and lose – on Constitutional grounds.

Two City Council members, Bill Rosendahl and Paul Koretz, have received generous donations from AHF’s Weinstein. Both men spearheaded the effort to quash the City Attorney’s lawsuit.

AHF has stated that they will protest tonight at the XBIZ Awards, to be held at Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hanger, where Hustler founder Larry Flynt will be honored with the Icon Award, and where FSC’s Duke also will receive the Woman of the Year Award.

(Photo: Courtesy of NASA)

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is proud to announce new members to its Board of Directors. The Board election was open to all active FSC members and held during the month of December.

Incumbent board members that were re-elected include Evil Angel General Manager Christian

Mann and El Dorado Trading Co. founder Larry Garland.

Adam and Eve General Manager Bob Christian is newly elected to the FSC Board. Adult entertainment performer and director Kara Price also was elected.

“Bob brings a strong business component to the Board, while Kara will bring a performer perspective,” said FSC Executive Director Diane Duke. “Those skills coupled with their leadership ability will be a valuable addition to FSC’s Board.”

Members of the board in good standing include Peter Acworth, Jeffrey Douglas, Mara Epstein, Sid Grief, Alec Helmy, Joel Kaminsky, Mark Kernes, Reed Lee and Lynn Swanson, bringing the total number of seats to 13. Those elected serve two-year terms.

FSC congratulates its newest Board members – their participation will help FSC to develop resources and better business practices for the adult industry.

(Photo: Some rights reserved by Cemf)

Every year at FSC, we meet with industry leaders, manufacturers, producers and performers. We discuss the issues that affect the adult community. As the adult industry trade association, our mission is to promote the well-being of the industry. We face challenges when they come up (which happened a lot in 2011). We provide a pro-adult voice to media and the public. We’re there to keep an eye on anti-adult legislation and anti-porn activists. We create needed resources and provide services for the industry.

We also defend the rights of free speech and sexual expression. Without First Amendment rights, there can be no democracy – an important issue with the upcoming presidential election, global protests and looming Internet regulations. Sexual speech is an easy target for censorship and legislation – FSC members understand that we must be pro-active and protect our rights.

Despite every challenge, the adult industry remains intact. It hasn’t been easy, but this business is a tight-knit community of survivors, creative visionaries and dynamic personalities.   FSC is committed to fighting the good fight – but we couldn’t do it without YOU.  We would like to take a moment to thank some of our members who have gone above and beyond to support FSC and, through their contributions, help everyone in the adult industry.

Industry pioneer Phil Harvey and Adam & Eve have been FSC generous supporters from the beginning. We’re honored by the loyalty, and recognize the battles fought by Adam & Eve, in defense of free speech.

We want to thank Steven Ornstein and Wicked Pictures for their generous  contributions over many years. All of the Wicked Girls have gladly donated time to attend and promote FSC fundraising events, and make those events extra-special.

Dan O’Connell, Moose and everyone at Girlfriends Films generously given to FSC, and many other charities. They send a positive message about the adult industry by giving to those in need. Thanks also, to ElDorado Trading Co. and Larry Garland, who helped with fundraising efforts – ElDorado also donates to various charities.

Allison Vivas and Pink Visual have been instrumental, through industry education and IT support, in promoting and improving FSC’s Anti-piracy Action Program (APAP).

Thanks to the “Founders” – Cal Exotics, Topco, Doc Johnson, Pipedreams and Nasstoys for their support through ACDC advocacy.  Their visionary support of the adult industry should be commended.  FSC also would like to recognize Scott Tucker and Topco Sales for hosting many FSC Board meetings and donating storage space. The hospitality is much appreciated.

This year, Manwin became a FSC platinum-level sponsor; we appreciate their contribution, as well as their additional support of FSC advocacy efforts and our Anti-Piracy Action Program.

Vivid Entertainment and Evil Angel have contributed to fund advocacy, confronting the issue of mandatory condom regulations. An industry-wide effort is needed, in 2012, to arrive at appropriate health & safety regulations.

Special thanks to Peter Acworth, Dave Astels and Kink.com for contributing much-needed services, including the resources needed to build the Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS.org) website. Kink is also testing the program, top to bottom, helping to develop an updated, reliable system for performer safety.

Whenever possible, we encourage our members to use industry services. We are very grateful to the guys at YNOT for sponsoring our email campaigning through YNOT Mail. Their adult-friendly email service is simple and effective – Connor  and Rochard hooked us up.

Also, to Brad and MojoHost – thank you for simplifying and streamlining our IT platform. Whenever we need help, customer service is right on it.

Joel Kaminsky and Jenn at Good Vibrations, and Topco’s Lynn Swanson – many thanks for your help with the FSC membership database.

And, as always, thanks to XBIZ and AVN for helping to promote the message of FSC, and for their part in helping to spread the word about important issues.

Finally, our appreciation for each member of the FSC Board; these people have volunteered many hours, over many years in the industry. They help shape the policies and strategies that protect adult industry businesses.

There are many others that deserve recognition; businesses and individuals that have worked behind the scenes or have always come to the aid of FSC, whenever necessary.

The FSC Team has a lot to be grateful for – and we thank every member and supporter for the things they do on behalf of the adult community. Especially in 2012, the adult industry will be stronger if we unite to face the challenges ahead. FSC is proud to serve our members, and proud of our members – the responsible, professional folks that produce adult entertainment for millions of adults to enjoy.

(Photo: Some rights reserved by Beyond My Ken) 

Free Speech Coalition is proud to announce that Pink Visual CEO Allison Vivas is the recipient of the 2012 FSC Leadership Award. The award will be presented during The XBIZ Awards Show.

FSC’s Leadership Award is presented to the adult entertainment industry business or individual who demonstrates excellence in leading by example. This award can be given for community service, activism, creating a positive and outstanding work environment, innovations and other qualities that lift the business or individual above the rest.

“Allison has great instinct, a brilliant mind and a boatload of courage,” FSC Executive Director Diane Duke said. “She combines those qualities to provide leadership not only for Pink Visual, but also for our industry as a whole.”

In March, Vivas accompanied FSC and a group of industry leaders to San Francisco to protest the approval of .XXX at the ICANN Board of Directors meeting. She spoke to the media on behalf of the adult industry’s opposition to the sTLD, and to the ICANN Board of Directors. Vivas and Pink Visual also issued a letter to ICM Registry, founder of the .XXX domain, to demand protection of the company’s brands, standing united with the biggest adult brands.

In 2011, Vivas and Pink Visual made it company policy to protect the health and safety of its performers by funding monthly testing.

Pink Visual has aggressively prosecuted copyright infringement, as well as sponsoring B2B seminars for industry leaders to learn more about strategies for dealing with content piracy and litigation. Vivas has strongly supported FSC’s Anti-Piracy Action Program (FSC-APAP.com).

Vivas exemplifies the industry executive – professional; proud to be part of the adult industry; fighting to protect the rights of adult business owners; and pushing to keep in the lead with new technologies for the consumer.

The XBIZ Awards will be held on Jan 10, at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, CA.

City of Los Angeles lawsuit against AHF says ballot measure is likely “unconstitutional,” and will waste taxpayer money -

A lawsuit was filed yesterday by the City of Los Angeles challenging the constitutionality of AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) ballot initiative. The initiative, if passed, would force local officials to enforce mandatory condom regulations on adult production sets. Named as defendants in the suit are various AHF personnel, including AHF President Michael Weinstein.

“Clearly AHF has chosen to squander its donors’ resources by filing frivolous lawsuits and ballot initiatives instead of providing valuable resources toward the prevention and treatment of HIV,” FSC Executive Director Diane Duke said. “It is heartening to know that the City of Los Angeles will draw the line on AHF’s political grandstanding when it comes to wasting taxpayer dollars.

“History has shown us that regulating sexual behavior between consenting adults does not work. The best way to prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs is by providing quality information and sexual health service, all of which are successfully provided through adult industry protocols and best practices,” Duke added.

The city’s complaint argues that the ballot proposal is preempted by state regulations that require barrier protection on adult sets and that enforcement of those regulations falls under state jurisdiction. There have been two previous rulings in complaints filed by AHF, where the judge decided that L.A. County officials are not compelled to enforce regulations on behalf of state health & safety agency Cal/OSHA.

The city also states that the process involved in bringing the ballot measure to the voters would be a “waste” of taxpayer money. The complaint went on to say that the ballot initiative is potentially unconstitutional; if passed by voters in June, the city raised concerns of more money being spent if the initiative was overturned on constitutional grounds.

“The City of Los Angeles has acted responsibly to protect the taxpayers from enacting an unenforceable measure preempted by State Law. The adult industry has been extraordinarily successful in preventing HIV infections through its testing protocols and self-regulation,” Free Speech Coalition (FSC) Board Chair Jeffrey Douglas said.

FSC has worked with industry stakeholders, compliance experts and legal advisers to develop the FSC Bloodbourne Pathogen Plan, and other policies for industry appropriate regulations.

In April, when Adult Industry Medical Healthcare (AIM) clinic was closed, largely due to legal attacks by AHF, FSC stepped up to provide Adult Production Healthcare & Safety Services (APHSS.org) as a resource for performer testing and production protocols.

“Thankfully, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office is acting in an abundance of caution and not simply marching to the tune called by Michael Weinstein,” attorney and APHSS.org legal adviser Karen Tynan commented.

“The industry is working with the state toward adopting industry specific and industry appropriate safety standards, and these efforts by AHF and Michael Weinstein are an attempt to interfere in that process,” Tynan said. “The Los Angeles City Attorney is correct that the ballot initiative would be a complete waste of taxpayer money.”

A PDF of the filing can be seen here: LA v. AHF

(Graphic: Courtesy of Dark Evil)

The following list includes all candidates for the upcoming 2012 FSC Board of Directors election to be held this month. Only active FSC members may vote in the election; electronic ballots will be sent by online survey service Zoomerang.com.

FSC members may vote for four seats available in this year’s election, from the field of seven candidates. First-time nominees are Adam & Eve’s Bob Christian, performer/activist Kara Price, Wasteland.com’s Colin Rowntree, and Bright Guys Inc./Adult Webmaster Empire’s Doug Richter.

If you are an active FSC member and DO NOT receive your electronic ballot by Dec 12, please contact the FSC office at (818) 348-9373 or email joanne@freespeechcoaliton.com. If you are interested in information about the election or in how to join the FSC, please use the same contact info.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE! This is an opportunity for active FSC members to choose those who will represent the FSC and the adult industry’s business & legal interests for the coming year. Thank you.

In alphabetical order by last name (* indicates incumbent status).

Bob Christian

Has been with Adam & Eve/PHE Inc for over 15 years. Currently serves as GM for Adam & Eve Pictures, as well as a member of Adam & Eve’s senior management/marketing team. Was part of the creation of our Adam & Eve Retail Stores company, currently with 41 franchised stores open, and of Temptations Parties – Adam & Eve’s Home Party company. Holds the title of President of the retail stores company – AEFC, Inc. – but not involved in day-to-day.

Prior to Adam & Eve, worked as GM of General Vitamin, one of Phil Harvey’s non-adult businesses.  Proud of graduating from Duke University and from University of North Carolina (MBA) – especially proud during Basketball season.

Why do you want to run for the FSC Board of Directors?

With all its aggressive programs, the FSC gives so much to our industry. I feel it is important to give back, and I want to serve FSC as best I can, to sustain the good work it does. It’s that simple. The FSC unites all of us to focus our efforts on common causes and needs which are bigger than any of us individually. PHE and Adam & Eve have been solid supporters of FSC for many years. I just want a little more hands-on involvement to encourage FSC’s positive impact on our businesses and lives.

If you haven’t looked at the FSC’s Mission Statement lately, take a glance again now. This is what I want to be a contributing part of:

Free Speech Coalition Mission Statement

• Lead, protect and support the growth and well-being of the adult entertainment community. ??As the trade association for the adult entertainment we do this by:
• Being the legislative watchdog for the industry;lobbying in California and in Congress.
• Providing public education, research and reports to gradually change public opinion about adult entertainment.
• Providing member publications, seminars, updates, advisories and coordinating member activism toward legislative change.
• Improving members’ business profit margins by introducing ‘value-added’ benefits, such as insurance, risk management programs, discounts, etc.
• Engaging, as a last resort, in litigation.

Larry Garland*

As an entrepreneur and 37-year business veteran, CEO and founder Larry Garland is an invaluable asset to Eldorado Trading Company. Over the years Eldorado has become one of the top international distributors in the adult novelty business offering over 15,000 best selling SKUs throughout the world.

Garland sticks to the basics and follows the simple, guiding principle he used to transform a homespun basement business into an international pleasure products dynamo: “making sure customers get what they want in salable condition, on time, and at a fair price.” In addition to heading up Eldorado since 1974, Garland is a board member of the Free Speech Coalition, as well as an active and vocal advocate for his local community. For the last several years, Eldorado has held fundraisers and food drives for the Community Food Share program, helping put Thanksgiving dinner on the table for thousands of Colorado families in need.

Why do you want to run for the FSC Board of Directors?

I hope to make a positive impact for the industry.

Christian Mann*

A 32 year veteran of the adult business, Christian Mann has worked in various capacities including magazine publication, mail-order, production, sales and marketing. As owner of Video Team, he pioneered niche marketing with the popular all-girl series “No Man’s Land” and the urban series “My Baby Got Back.”

Christian is no stranger to the challenges faced by Free Speech Coalition members trying to earn a livelihood marketing adult products for adult consumers. He was Federally indicted in 1989, withstood an obscenity trial in Texas in defense of the 1st Amendment, and was eventually acquitted of all charges. 20 years later, as Evil Angel’s General Manager, Christian assisted the legal team in John Stagliano’s succesful obscenity defense in Washington D.C.in the summer of 2010.

Today, Christian Mann focuses his attention on Evil Angel’s marketing and brand position with an emphasis on both subscriber and advertiser funded new media.

Christian currently serves on the FSC Board of Directors as he did once before in the mid 1990’s. In this capacity Christian was instrumental in launching FSC’s Adult Production Health & Safety Services initiative in the wake of the closure of AIM.

Christian is the recipient of AVN’s 1st Amendment Defense Award in 1991, the Free Speech Coalition “Good Guy Award” in 2000 and most recently has been inducted in the “AVN Hall of Fame – Founder’s Branch” in 2010.

Kara Price

Kara Price is a California native with an educational background in human sexuality and applied statistics. Kara entered the adult industry during college as a 2257 compliancy auditor. She soon realized that she would have more fun and make more money as a performer. Since her debut in February 2011 she has preformed in over sixty films and directed ten yet to be released scenes Kara is an active member of the FSC and can often be found rolling her eyes at CalOSHA hearings.

As a FSC board member Kara will represent the interests of performers, producers, and distributors by addressing key issues including piracy, .XXX, and the current condom crisis.

Kara is interested creating resources for FSC members. She is excited to create and maintain the FSC’s free guides on Health Standards, 2257 compliancy, and anti-piracy solutions. She is interested in updating the FSC website, creating online networking opportunities, and helping the FSC represent the interests of all members.

Kara is committed to fighting against all laws that strain adult businesses. To this end she is prepared to be active in all FSC lawsuits. As a working performer and FSC board member with an educational background in sexuality Kara will be in a unique position to speak out against mandatory condom legislation and aid in the development of the APHSS.org health & safety program.

Theresa “Darklady” Reed*

Theresa “Darklady” Reed has been a contributing writer/editor for AVN for more than a decade and began her work in adult as the editor of Exotic Magazine in the early 1990s. She is president of Darklady Productions, Inc., based in Portland, Oregon, a current FSC board member, and on the Woodhull Freedom Foundation advisory council. She is also the “voice” of the DotXXXOpposition.com site.

As an FSC board member, Reed was instrumental in the creation of the organization’s Code of Ethics, drawing upon her experience with all areas of the adult entertainment industry, including online, DVD, and in-person performance.

Passionately devoted to the ideal of responsible self-government, Reed is a strong defender of the First Amendment who unapologetically believes that explicit sexual expression is a valid and valuable form of artistic and political speech whose creators deserve respect and fair treatment.

When not hosting wildly innovative, pansexual fundraising and promotional events, Reed’s work appears in various erotica and sexuality anthologies, including Stanford Press’ “Prostitution and Pornography: Philosophical Debate about the Sex Industry.” She is also an accomplished screenwriter, public speaker, publicist, and sex educator who has run for public office twice. Her work can also be found on HuffingtonPost.com and Alternet.org.

Why do you want to run for the FSC Board of Directors?

I’ve been a board member for several years now, love working with the current board members, and remain passionate in my appreciation for and desire to help promote, improve and protect the adult entertainment industry. I think it’s good for the board to have non-LA-centric voices and perspective, as well.

Doug Richter

Douglas Richter, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, is currently the CEO of Bright Guys Inc the Senior Authorized Consultant for AWEmpire.com the affiliate program for popular live video sex chat sites LiveJasmin.com & CameraBoys.com and a variety of other niche webcam sites. An active supporter for Adult Industry Trade Organizations, Douglas has been serving for the past 2 years participating on the Advisory Council for ASACP.

Douglas began his career in adult more than 14 years ago as a chat host for ifriends so it is fitting to find him today in a position with the World’s largest provider of live video sex chat.    Douglas has also held several high level and leadership positions in several key verticals over the years in the gay adult industry from production, to sales and operations before he began consulting for AWE.  Having witnessed many changes in the industry he can offer a wider perspective on the trends facing membership sites specifically regarding how to correctly compliment your products with the right live tools to boost revenue.  For the past 4 years he has contributed with his efforts focused on growing the AWE affiliate program in the United States where he has found great success for both AWE and their growing network of Affiliates and White Label sites.

Why do you want to run for the FSC Board of Directors?

Over the past two years I have been actively participating on the Advisory Council for ASACP; an Adult Industry sponsored trade organization dedicated to protecting children.  I support our industry trades both for amazing work they accomplish, but more importantly because they are here to ensure that our business playing field remains intact.

Over the past year I have become increasingly involved with the rallies and press conferences held by FSC and find this work to be both important and gratifying.  Having a keen understanding of the industry and the challenges that we currently face as a collective group of business people, I feel that I will add a lot to the FSC Board.  People who know me know I get the job done and am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in.   Ultimately I feel I would add significant value to the board should I be elected.

Colin Rowntree

Colin Rowntree wasn’t officially at the birth of the adult internet, but he was definitely in the vicinity. Born to a Michigan union organizer who survived police beatings, Rowntree grew up with a thirst for social justice, free speech, and creativity.

Whether it was fishing with Allen Ginsberg, student activism, a Fulbright scholarship to the Soviet Union to study orchestral conducting, part-time work as an English language editor for Pravda, post-grad studies with Leonard Bernstein at Tanglewood, piercing his navel, or selling angel pendants, he has kept his eyes on the prize.

Prior to entering the adult industry, that included performing for and lunching with the Dalai Lama, a strange elevator ride and beer chat with Louis Farrakhan, and an impromptu nursing home serenade of Richard Nixon.

Since launching Wasteland.com in 1994, the prize has expanded to receiving a number of adult industry awards. Most recently, induction into the 2011 AVN Hall of Fame’s Founder Division and receipt of the 2011 FSC Leadership Award. Not bad for a guy who initially hoped simply to make a buck by selling kinky content on that newfangled internet-thing and wound up having his work featured in Wired Magazine, Time Magazine, The Economist, Sunday London Times, and on both HBO and the BBC.

Between 1998 and 2011, Rowntree has acted as an adult industry liaison to Visa/MC International, the US Department of Justice on Internet Safety Issues, Interpol on financial scam tracking and prevention – and more.

Now Rowntree’s eclectically diverse personal and professional quest for justice and appreciation for human sexuality and the businesses that depend upon it has lead him to seek a seat on the Free Speech Coalition’s board of directors.

Why do you want to run for the FSC Board of Directors?

I believe with my many years of experience in the adult industry, I can bring a wealth of skills, perspective and creative enthusiasm to contribute to FSC’s ongoing mission of protecting free speech and the integrity of the adult industry.”

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) today sent a letter to the House and Senate Judiciary Committee, addressing concerns about the recently proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) on behalf of adult industry businesses. Representative Lamar Smith (R-Texas) introduced the controversial bill, which proposes strict regulation of the Internet in an effort to curb online piracy and other cyber-crimes.

SOPA has been endorsed by mainstream entertainment companies and trade organizations in favor monitoring, prosecuting and penalizing “rogue” websites and users that illegally download content, in an attempt to control online piracy.

Many Internet companies and free Internet activist organizations have taken an oppositional stance to SOPA, which they fear would allow governmental regulators overly broad jurisdiction over the Internet and may lead to censorship and potential violations of user privacy, among other issues.

“FSC supports aggressive action to stop online piracy and is in favor of some of the components contained in Representative Smith’s proposed legislation,” FSC Executive Director Diane Duke stated. “However, FSC is concerned that some of the provisions contained in SOPA may lay the groundwork to abolish legitimate online businesses by oppressive governments wishing to suppress unpopular content, overzealous competitors wishing to squelch competition, and extremist organizations wishing to promote censorship.”

Included in the letter to representatives is a FSC position statement on SOPA, which can be viewed here - FSC Position Statment – SOPA.

The adult entertainment industry has been especially hard hit by content piracy, but also has suffered from governmental regulations that have had a chilling effect on adult businesses. On behalf of its members, FSC applauds legislation that would protect intellectual property rights.

However, FSC has suggested issues created by any far-reaching regulations that may allow censorship; limit controversial forms of expression; or would encourage overly broad prosecution of online businesses, should be taken into consideration by representatives. FSC encourages close examination of any legislative regulations that may prove burdensome for legitimate online businesses or violate the rights of Internet users.

FSC’s Anti-Piracy Action Program (APAP) also was mentioned as a model for effective strategies that protect both content producers and tube site operators. Several large adult content producers, as well as tube site operators, are participating in APAP, which uses advanced technology to monitor infringing activity and creates new revenue streams for participants.

For more information on FSC-APAP, contact (818) 348-9373, or diane@freespeechcoalition.com.

(Photo: Some rights reserved by Hannes Trapp)

On Wednesday, Nov 30, AIDS Healthcare Foundation held a press conference to announce that they had collected 64,000 signatures on petitions for a ballot initiative that would force condom use to be mandated on adult production sets in the City of Los Angeles. If the signatures collected can be verified, the mandatory condom initiative would be put before Los Angeles voters in a citywide election to be held in June 2012. Condom enforcement would be administered through film location permits, and AHF has proposed a $85 fee from adult producers to pay for any enforcement staffing. This development is the latest action in AHF’s FAIR (For Adult Industry Responsibility) campaign.

A PDF of the ballot initiative petition can be viewed by clicking here.

In a previous press conference, Weinstein told reporters that if the ballot measure is approved by Los Angeles voters, that AHF will mount campaigns in other California cities and counties – effectively making California a condom-only state for adult productions.

As most industry members know, if the mandatory condom initiative was approved by voters, this would drive most producers to leave the state of California, or to take their productions “underground.” If that were the case, it would be very difficult to regulate any health & safety standards for the adult industry, including the industry-imposed regulations that have been effective since 1998.

Free Speech Coalition has responded to various accusations and attacks by AHF and grandstanding by AHF President Michael Weinstein, prior to the latest developments, and will continue to oppose AHF’s efforts to legislate sexual behavior between consenting adults on adult production sets.

Regarding the ballot initiative, FSC Executive Director Diane Duke said, “FSC Is opposed to mandatory condom regulation. History has shown us that regulating sexual behavior between consenting adults does not work. The best way to prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs is by providing quality information and sexual health services. If condoms were mandatory existing testing protocols would likely disappear. The protocols that are in place are here to protect the performers and successfully do so.”

FSC also has represented a pro-adult industry voice to state regulatory agency Cal/OSHA during proceedings to develop industry-appropriate health and safety regulations. We have consistently supported self-regulation and monthly testing for performers as a successful model for risk management in adult productions. FSC also commissioned a report debunking the misinformation spread by AHF and LA County Public Health Department, and their claims that STI rates for performers present a public health threat or a possible “epidemic.”

When Adult Industry Medical Healthcare (AIM) closed in April – largely due to lawsuits brought against them by AHF – FSC also stepped up to develop APHSS.org, a health & safety program to regulate monthly performer testing and uphold the protocols practiced by AIM, which are highly effective at protecting adult performers.

In fact, condoms are only 85 percent effective in the prevention of pregnancy. Hence, use of condoms on adult sets, at best, also represents a risk management model that is not 100 percent effective. Promoting condoms as the only method for protecting performer health & safety is just one of many outlandish claims against the adult industry made by Weinstein and AHF.

Since 2009, when AHF began its campaign against the adult industry, there have been two incidents of performers that were found to be HIV-positive and neither of those cases were proved to involve transmission of HIV on a production set. The latest HIV incident, in August, was a result of a performer that received a false positive result, which has been verified with multiple tests over an extended time period.

FSC is asking for support from all industry members in order to confront the challenge from AHF and other anti-adult industry activists. As the adult industry trade association, our mission is to confront issues that threaten the well-being of the adult community and its businesses. That is why the association was founded and why we exist – to represent the best interests of the industry. We are honored to do this work, but we can’t do it without you.

At the last Cal/OSHA meeting regarding mandatory condoms, in June, more than 60 active adult performers attended; FSC was grateful for the help of several pro-industry activists that helped us have such a strong turn-out.

Now that AHF has stepped up their strategy to regulate adult productions – performers, producers, fans and other industry supporters must unite to make our voice heard, so that the oppressive legislation being pushed by AHF does not drive the industry out of California or force inappropriate regulation. If we do not meet the challenge, then who will stop groups like AHF from pushing for further legislation to control sexual behavior between consenting adults – even in the privacy of their own bedrooms?

FSC will continue to update our members and the industry on further developments. We are stronger if we are united, educated and informed on the issue. What can you do? For more information on how you can join FSC, please contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373.