FSC: 'Adult Industry Facing Gravest Threat Since Nixon Administration'

FSC: 'Adult Industry Facing Gravest Threat Since Nixon Administration'

CANOGA PARK, Calif. — The adult business is facing restrictions on production that rival the obscenity prosecutions of the 1970s and 1980s when production was forced underground by “distorted enforcement of the law,” says Jeffrey Douglas, board chair of the Free Speech Coalition and industry attorney.  

Among the new restrictions set to take effect in California in 2016:

  • New Cal/OSHA regulations that would require eye protection and dental dams in addition to condoms;
  • A statewide ballot initiative that will levy massive fines for not using condoms; and
  • Enforcement mechanisms that allow anyone in the state of California to sue performers and producers for appearing not to comply with the initiative.

Both the regulations and the initiative have been advanced by Michael Weinstein and his controversial AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

Douglas said that the AHF has been repeatedly opposed by the ACLU, LGBT rights groups, HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations and public health departments, among others, over its morals-based approach to HIV prevention.

“There is no way to comply with these regulations as written,” Douglas said. “Weinstein will push most of the larger producers out of state and the rest underground. Over the past 25 years, we have built a legal, responsible, safe industry, and it’s about to be destroyed by one man’s moral crusade. The adult industry is facing its gravest threat since the Nixon administration.”

While previous attempts to pass similar laws in the legislature failed, the new ballot initiative is much more difficult to defeat, since most voters will not be aware of the industry’s rigorous testing protocols, or its multifaceted system of HIV prevention, he noted. The regulated adult industry has not had an on-set transmission of HIV since 2004.

“These restrictions aren’t about performer or public health,” said Eric Paul Leue, the new executive director of the Free Speech Coalition.

“It is about turning the adult industry into an arm of his version of a safer sex campaign. In doing so, he’ll push production into the shadows, decimate the testing system we’ve fought so hard for, and ultimately harm the very performers he claims to want to protect. It’s anti-science, anti-sex and anti-free expression. We will fight this till the end.”

The FSC said that producers, performers, cam studios and others interested in helping the fight the new regulations, or the initiative, should contact info@freespeechcoalition.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Pure Taboo Debuts Bree Mills Thriller 'Let Me In Too'

Reagan Foxx stars with Shay Sights in the latest thriller from Pure Taboo, titled “Let Me In Too.”

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

Show More