PHOENIX — Porn producers considering a move to Arizona to beat the new Los Angeles mandatory condom law could be facing a prostitution rap.
Arizona, among other areas including Las Vegas, have been targeted as likely new homes for the adult business that’s having the door slammed in its face by its long-time home in L.A.
Even neighboring areas outside of the San Fernando Valley porn hub, including Simi Valley and Moorpark have made it clear that they don’t want porn shot in their neighborhoods.
Los Angeles is one of only two places (the other being New Hampshire) where porn is legal to shoot.
But according to a CBS news report, Arizona Maricopa County attorney Bill Montgomery said any move by California’s porn industry to his area might be a violation of the state's law against prostitution.
"Under Arizona law, anyone paid to appear in a pornographic movie may be guilty of the crime of prostitution, which carries mandatory jail time as well as the possibility of other penalties," Montgomery said.
Arizona law defines prostitution as "engaging in or agreeing or offering to engage in sexual conduct under a fee arrangement with any person for money or any other valuable consideration," according to the report.
Montgomery made it clear the welcome mat is not out for porn in the Grand Canyon State.
The lawyer said in an official statement, "Furthermore, anyone involved in other aspects of producing pornographic movies, including soliciting individuals to appear, collecting a fee from the monies received by individuals solicited to appear by virtue of an agent relationship, transporting individuals from California to Arizona for the purpose of appearing in a pornographic movie, and/or establishing a venue for the filming and/or production of pornographic movies may be guilty of committing one or several felonies in the state of Arizona."
The state law reportedly says that a "prostitution enterprise" is defined as any corporation, partnership, association or other legal entity or any group of individuals associated in fact although not a legal entity engaged in providing prostitution services.
Montgomery said the state law would prevent the establishment of a "pornography industry" to any degree.
