Assemblymember Isadore Hall Reintroduces Condom Legislation as AB 1576

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has learned today new legislation that would mandate barrier protection for adult performers was introduce to the California Assembly by Assemblymember Isadore Hall (D – Compton).

The new bill is called AB 1576 and was introduced prior to the deadline for new bills to reach the assembly. This is the third time that Assemblymember Hall has attempted to push through mandatory barrier protection; in 2013, he sponsored both AB 332 and 640 in unsuccessful bids to legislate condom use in the adult production industry.

“This measure will further drive production out of state and create severe hardships for ancillary businesses,” said FSC CEO Diane Duke. “Last year, we were able to defeat AB 332 and 640 by going to Sacramento to lobby. It made a big difference for legislators to see people show up to protest those bills. When we go there again, to fight AB 1576, we will really need the assistance of everyone in the industry – our livelihood in California is at stake.”

The primary advocate for mandatory condom regulations is nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which has supported Hall’s campaigns to have the bills passed into law. This latest attempt to mandate barrier protection usage is the latest development in AHF’s nearly ten-year long campaign to force legislation on the adult industry.

FSC Summit This Week, Full Line-Up of Speakers

Free Speech Coalition will present its annual Summit, Jan 22-24, in conjunction with the XBIZ 360 conference, to be held at the W Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, next week. The FSC Summit will host seminars on challenges that affect adult businesses today, including product piracy, legal best practices, and the latest on issues affecting content production.

Attendence for the FSC Summit is free of charge, but you must register to attend. To register, please contact info@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373. Time is running out to reserve your spot for these informative seminars.

This year’s seminars include:

• Code of Ethics – Seal of Approval – Jan 22, 10am

A few years back, the Free Speech Coalition, with input from countless industry members, created a Code of Ethics for the pleasure products and adult entertainment industry. With increased scrutiny from the government, payment processors, banks insurance companies etc. it is important for adult businesses to be able to demonstrate good business practices and solid ethical standards. This seminar will review the industry code of ethics and reveal how your company can get the FSC Code of Ethics Seal of Approval to display in your company or store’s window and on your website.
Speakers:
Bob Christian, General Manager of Adam and Eve
Larry Garland, Founder and CEO of Eldorado
Diane Duke, CEO of Free Speech Coalition
Moderator – Jeffrey Douglas First Amendment Attorney and FSC Board Chair

• Hey! They Are Selling my Products on eBay! Anti-counterfeit Pilot Results – Jan 22nd, 11am

Because of the Internet, the pleasure products industry has been able to broaden its base of consumers. However, the internet has also broadened the amount and distribution of counterfeit pleasure products. Is there anything that can be done? Come and discuss the results of an FSC sponsored pilot with executives from Screaming O, Sportsheets and the company exploring ways to curb distribution of counterfeit pleasure products—Piracy Stops Here.
Speakers:
David ‘Hui’ Newnham, The Screaming O
Tom or Julie Stewart, Sportsheets
Peter Phinney, Stop Piracy Now
Vaughn Greenwalt, IP Consultant
Moderator – Diane Duke

• When The Cops Come Knocking – Jan 23rd, 10am

This seminar will focus on preparing members of the pleasure products and adult entertainment industry on proper techniques in responding to law enforcement and/or government officials. Law enforcement can strike at any moment and adult industry members need to understand how to not prejudice themselves or improperly supply any testimony or evidence to law enforcement. Year after year, there has been a steady increase in law enforcement activity in the adult industry from agencies such as the FBI, FTC, OSHA, local police, and DHS; this seminar will explore and educate participants on some simple steps that may save you from self-incrimination.
Panelists – Industry attorneys Corey Silverstein, Jeffrey Douglas, Karen Tynan
Moderator – Diane Duke

• 2014 Adult Content Production in California – Jan 24th, 11am

What is the current situation for filming in Los Angeles and California as a whole? Where are we with the Measure B lawsuit? Is it safe to film in LA? What is up with CalOSHA? Should we expect Assembly Member Hall’s mandatory barrier protection bill AB 640 to resurface in January? Filming in California is complicated to say the least. Get the scoop from those who are in the know about what to expect for 2014.
Speakers:
Paul Audley, CEO Film LA
Kevin Bland, Workplace Safety Attny and FSC’s CalOSHA Consultant
Paul Cambria, Measure B Attorney
Diane Duke
Moderator – Jeffrey Douglas

Winners of the 2014 FSC Award Winners Announced

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is honored to announce the winners of the 2014 FSC Awards, to be presented at the XBIZ 360 conference on January 22, in Hollywood, Ca.  The awards are in recognition for excellence in business and outstanding service to the adult industry business community.

The recipient of this year’s Legacy Award – which recognizes innovation, successful business practices and contributions to the industry as a whole – will be presented to Vivid Entertainment founder Steven Hirsch.

The Positive Image Award is presented to performers that have helped to dispel negative stereotypes and misconceptions connected to work in the adult industry. This year’s award goes to performer James Deen.

Man and Woman of the Year Awards are given to business professionals that have shown exceptional leadership in building solidly established businesses, as well as within their communities. 2014 Woman of the Year is Honey’s Place owner Bonnie Feingold, and Man of the Year is Pipedream’s Nick Orlandino.

Novelty Company of the Year will be presented to California Exotic Novelties for their many years as a leader in the pleasure products sector, and for their continued innovation, high standards and ethics.

Retailer of the Year will be presented to the Lions’ Den chain of adult stores for many years as a leading retailer of adult products, innovative marketing and ethical standards for customer service.

Production Company of the Year goes to gay studio Hothouse Entertainment. Founded by Hall of Fame director Steven Scarborough, Hothouse exemplifies creative innovation, high standards and ethical conduct.

Internet Company of the Year will be presented to Gamelink. The award recognizes excellence, innovation and contributions made to the adult industry overall.

Benefactor of the Year has been awarded to Wicked Pictures. The recognition is for unwavering support, through philanthropy and advocacy, of adult industry and mainstream causes. As well as setting a good example, the company also has diligently attempted to protect the adult industry business community from legal challenges, business risks and critics.

Finally, the Leadership Award – to be presented at the XBIZ Awards gala on January 24 – is given to an individual or individuals that have demonstrated leadership by example. This year’s award will be presented to performer Nina Hartley and director Ernest Greene for their outstanding work in advocacy, education and community service.

The FSC Awards presentation will be held at 6pm, on January 22, at the W Hotel in Hollywood, CA, in conjunction with the FSC Summit and XBIZ 360 conference. For more information on these events, contact info@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373.