HIV case spurs call for porn production moratorium

In this Oct. 9, 2002 file photo, adult actors Dasha and Eric Masterson prepare for a scene for the Vivid Video adult film “The Alley,” in Chatsworth, a part of the San Fernando Valley within Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County, for years the Porn Capital of the Country, records reveal only 20 permits to make adult films have been acquired in 2014 so far. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

LOS ANGELES—The California advocacy group for the adult film industry has called for an industrywide production moratorium after a performer tested positive for HIV.

The Free Speech Coalition called for the moratorium Thursday.

The group’s CEO, Diane Duke, says the performer is undergoing additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, but the coalition is calling for the production halt in an abundance of caution. Such moratoriums aren’t binding but generally bring compliance within the industry.

The group didn’t release the name or any details about the performer.

This is the industry’s first reported case of HIV in 2014 after three in 2013.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which successfully fought to require condoms for porn actors in Los Angeles city and county, calls it “tragic” repeat of last year’s cases and says it underscores the need for statewide action.