After a long and (figuratively) bloody fight, the adult industry scored an amazing victory last night with the defeat of Prop 60, the so-called Safer Sex in the Adult Film Industry Act.

The No On 60 campaign was far outspent (illegally, one might add) by the proposition's main proponent, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which contributed almost 100 percent of the funds used to promote the initiative, while the No On 60 campaign was funded through the generosity of many adult producers including Vivid Entertainment Group, Wicked Pictures/Wicked Sensual Care, Evil Angel, Adam & Eve, Kink, New Sensations/Digital Sin, Penthouse, Grooby Productions, AEBN, LATATA, Great Western Litho and several more, not counting the hundreds of smaller, individual contributions.

"This was a tremendous victory, not only for adult performers, but for science over stigma, and facts over fear," wrote Michael Stabile, communications director for the No on Proposition 60 campaign, in an official statement. "Adult industry workers no longer need to fear a punitive law that would have allowed any resident of the state to file suit against them. We were honoured to have the Democratic and Republican and Libertarian Parties, along with over 55 state newspapers and hundreds of public health and civil rights advocates, stand with adult performers.
 
"We hope this marks the beginning of a new, safer era for adult film performers and other workers in California," he continued, "one in which worker voices and lived experiences are included in the legislation and regulation that affects their bodies and their lives. Most of all, we thank the millions of Californians who stood up against worker harassment."

Also celebrating the victory over worker harassment was the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, which sent out the following press release:

"The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee would like to congratulate the efforts of the adult film community in defeating Proposition 60—written and paid for by Michael Weinstein of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation—which failed on November 8, 2016.

"Adult film workers are encouraged to celebrate their work opposing Prop 60. In an outstanding and unprecedented display of solidarity and focus, performers managed to defeat a proposition fuelled by millions of dollars. The industry must use this momentum going forward to address concerns and create a secure work environment that is near-impenetrable to intimidation or persecution from outsiders or from within the industry. Building a better community is still a primary goal and adult film performers have shown, indisputably, how much they can accomplish when goals are set, voices are raised, and demands are made. This is a time of celebration, but the work is not done.

"Performers who wish to continue to advocate for their community and demand work conditions and comprehensive protocols that ensure their safety and well-being are urged to join the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee. APAC will hear concerns of all adult film workers, regardless of membership, and work as fervently as possible to continue to create rules of conduct that guarantee performer safety and adherence to performer rights. The refusal of California voters to allow legislation that puts performers at risk is a miraculous win. Now performers must focus on securing the industry against unfair and uneducated perspectives that may put the industry at risk in the future.

"This is a glorious time to be an adult film performer. APAC wants to express immense gratitude for your support and hard work. Your enthusiasm against Prop 60 is an understated accomplishment and staying united is crucial to assure positive change.

"For more information about the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, contact [email protected]."

 

Read the full AVN article here: https://goo.gl/Qdqky1