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HIV Scare Shuts Down Porn Sets

Positive test will likely rekindle debate on porno health and safety

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 29, 2011 5:46 PM CDT

(Newser) – An HIV scare shut down porn sets across the San Fernando Valley today after producers learned that a performer tested positive. Diane Duke, head of a porn industry trade group, asked for the moratorium and said the performer is being retested while "first- and second- generation partners" are contacted, the Los Angeles Times reports. The news will likely rekindle debate about health and safety on adult entertainment sets.

As it stands, adult performers must be tested every 30 days, but condoms are not required on set. Performer Derrick Burts tested positive for HIV last year and is now trying to put a measure on LA's June 2012 ballot to mandate condoms in porn. Also at issue is performers' privacy, after a lawsuit alleged that the industry's test result database leaked personal medical information. A new database will only reveal whether performers are ready to work, Duke said.

A debate about health and safety on pornography film sets will likely be reignited after news that a performer may have HIV.
A debate about health and safety on pornography film sets will likely be reignited after news that a performer may have HIV.   (Getty Images)
Pornography film sets closed across the San Fernando Valley today in the wake of news that a performer may have HIV.
Pornography film sets closed across the San Fernando Valley today in the wake of news that a performer may have HIV.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Zadoc
Aug 31, 2011 12:17 AM CDT
I only watch girl on girl porn, so I don't mind one way or the other... if it saves lives.  POLL: Should condoms be mandatory on porn sets? Vote: http://www.wepolls.com/p/2088064
flameforjustice
Aug 30, 2011 7:09 PM CDT
Good.  If you don't take total responsibility for your sexual health be prepared for good scare or worse.
Mad
Aug 30, 2011 2:25 AM CDT
Not unlike using seat belts in car chase scenes: showing the 'hero' using protection, makes it 'cool' for the everyday Joe to do the same.

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