HIV-positive porn star spurs talk of another industry moratorium

The 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.

Another HIV scare halted production in Aug. 2011, but filming resumed shortly after when a re-test showed the actor did not have the virus.

Additionally, a similar moratorium was implemented last year after nearly a dozen performers were diagnosed with syphilis. The man responsible for the outbreak was arrested.

In 2010, the industry halted production following a positive HIV test from actor Derrick Burts, who later became an advocate for condom use in porn.

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. In 2012, Los Angeles county passed Measure B, which requires condom use while filming on set.