January 25, 2012 16:43

Porn actors in Los Angeles now legally required to use condoms

But industry leaders warn that the new law could drive them out of the city

Michael Weinstein of LA's AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Porn actors working in Los Angeles will now be obliged to wear condoms while filming, under a new law.

The regulation, signed by the city mayor, has been welcomed by health officials, but leaders of the adult film industry have warned that it could force them to abandon the city, according to BBC News.

The LA-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation welcomed the move saying it was crucial in protecting actors from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Foundation president Michael Weinstein said they would now campaign for a similar requirement elsewhere in the US He said:

The city of Los Angeles has done the right thing. They’ve done the right thing for the performers.

However, several of the industry's biggest adult filmmakers have said they might consider moving outside city boundaries, insisting that films with condoms are not as popular and some actors prefer not to use them.

The city council has now asked the police, city attorney's office and workplace safety officials to figure out how the rule might be enforced.

It is estimated that up to 90% of all pornographic films made in the US are filmed in Los Angeles. Last year, productions across the US were temporarily shut down after an adult performer tested positive for HIV.