California Votes Down Prop 60
In a major victory for the adult industry, California’s Prop 60 legislation was defeated at the ballot box yesterday. With 99% of the vote reporting, “no” votes have captured a 54% to 36% victory. The controversial initiative would have required condoms in porn movies shot in California and enacted far-reaching legal restrictions on the porn business. The measures had been widely condemned by newspaper editorial boards and the adult industry itself (including an Adult Empire editorial, which endorsed a”no” vote).
The proposition’s defeat was received as welcome news by stars and industry professionals alike. “I feel powerful and strong,” adult performer Tasha Reign told TheWrap. “Like my voice and the voices of my industry were actually heard. I have a newfound belief in myself and our marginalized group of sex workers. Although we have so much more to accomplish and achieve, I’m proud to have been part of this campaign.”
“My mom taught me not to gloat, so I won’t,” said industry attorney Karen Tynan, a vocal opponent of the measure. “Let’s just say the FSC [Free Speech Coalition], APAC [Adult Peformer Advocacy Committee], performers and producers did what many thought impossible.”
The Free Speech Coalition sees the defeat of Prop 60 as the start of a new chapter for the industry. “We hope this marks the beginning of a new, safer era for adult film performers and other workers in California — one in which worker voices and lived experiences are included in the legislation and regulation that affects their bodies and their lives,” they noted in an official statement posted on XBIZ.
