Should Porn Stars be REQUIRED to Wear Condoms?

For the most part, the sex industry tries its best to stay out of the public eye, but every so often something happens to thrust the porn industry into the forefront of public conversation and news media. Whether it's the case of a celebrity being caught with an adult performer, an estranged hotel-room murder mystery, or another dreaded outbreak of HIV among porn stars, as is the case that prompted this article.

During the past week, at least one adult actor/actress tested positive for HIV, which has reignited the debate on whether or not adult performers should be required to use condoms in adult films. The argument has gained so much support for condom use in adult films that the state of California is working to get the issue put on the ballot.

As Americans, we naturally don't like to be "required" to do anything, regardless of the situation. We may all agree on something, but thanks to our fabulous constitution we revel in our right not to have rules enforced upon us. And, as is the case with legalizing abortion and medical marijuana, the people who oppose it aren't necessarily affected by the rule or law against it.

The common sense answer is yes, people should wear protection when they have sex. But "should wear" and "required to wear" have completely different meanings and come with different fallouts. To get a better understanding of how normal Americans feel about this issues I polled a few people on Facebook and started a discussion around the office. While most of the responses are from people under 40 years old, the results are almost equally divided with each side having their own legitimate reasons for coming to their conclusion. Here are a few responses to the question: Should porn stars be required to wear condoms?:

"Yes, to promote sexual health!"

"No, nobody should be required to do anything, but everyone should be responsible about it."

"Yes, morally. No, legally."

"Yes, employers have a responsibility to their employees' safety."

"Major porn companies should be encouraging viewers to use condoms explicitly in a variety of ways not the least of whites should be using them in their films."

"No, I've heard porn stars say they mostly have sex with other porn stars because of the fact that they're tested so regularly."

"If an agency wants to require condoms, fine. But requiring the whole industry to wear condoms is unconstitutional."

From what I've gathered, those who are pro-condom use in adult films are advocating for the promotion of safe sex in adult films and the protection of the health of the adult actor/employee. Those who are against the law are advocating on behalf of individual freedoms and constitutional protection. Either you're pro safe-sex or pro individual liberties--now that's one heck of a battle.