In what would appear to be a radical change from earlier plans, a group of seven manufacturers and attorneys loosely called the "Anti-Censorship Defense Committee" (A-CDC) has decided to engage in its activities under the umbrella of the Free Speech Coalition.
"We don't have a special name, because we are actually, technically, a committee of the Free Speech Coalition," explained Susan Colvin, president of California Exotic Novelties and a committee member. "It's just that we have a separate bank account, and we approve our own funding, where it goes and what it does. We want to operate separately, but we want to be within the Free Speech framework, because we want the industry to work as a group; we don't want to split the industry."
The group was originally formed at an industry gathering sponsored by Goalie Entertainment in Denver. The idea of creating a special fund that would target winnable busts for obscenity and other industry-related prosecutions, as well as research, education and lobbying in areas important to adult entertainment, was first broached by Vivid's Steve Hirsch, Goalie's Eddie Wedelstedt and several others, with Hirsch eventually selecting the members of the committee.
Besides Colvin and Wedelstedt, committee members include Frank Kay of distributor IVD; Greg Alves, president of Metro West; Chris Alexander, president of Anabolic Video; Marty Turkel, sales manager for VCA Pictures; and attorney Paul Cambria. Alternates for some members will include Anabolic's Greg Allen, Goalie attorney Bob DePiano and M&M Sales' Al Bloom. Free Speech Coalition executive director Bill Lyon will also take part in discussions. Hirsch said that he would participate if called upon to discuss issues.
"They're looking to possibly fund some [new industry] studies," said Chris Alexander. "Some of the studies that have been relied upon in the past are very outdated at this point - it's a new generation, obviously, and there would be revised crime stats, that kind of thing - and it would be good to have a study that says, 'Hey, an adult video store doesn't actually raise crime stats in an area.' The idea is to try to do things that will benefit the industry as a whole, as opposed to benefiting any one individual or group of individuals. So far, the emphasis is leaning towards [the idea that] any time there's a case that may set precedent in the legal arena, hopefully [these studies would ensure] that the precedents set are good ones."
To that end, the committee has already come up with a mission statement which, in part, declares "instances involving fisting, bestiality, urination and child pornography" as "specifically removed from consideration" from any legal cases with which the committee might become involved.
A fundraiser has been planned for Thursday, May 18 at "Porn Valley" club Bob's Classy Lady in Van Nuys. "They're donating the place to us with the exception of the juice bar, and we have to pay the M.C. and the bouncer," said Turkel, the event's primary organizer. "I'm not sure whether the entry fee will be $15 or $20 [but] there'll be Polaroid-taking, dancing, and all door money and tips will be put into the fund for 'zoning out censorship.'"
The evening is scheduled to feature a bevy of the industry's biggest stars, including Kylie Ireland, Raylene, Skye, Adajja, Kobe Tai, Tabitha Stevens, Selena Steele, Tina Tyler, Sydnee Steele, Chloe, Felecia, Inari Vachs, Midori, Alexia, Devinn Lane, Temptress, Kristina St. James, Alicia Rio, Brooke Hunter, Madelyn Night, and Kendra Jade, "if her schedule permits," Turkel cautioned, "and more. We're still working on the guest list."
According to Turkel, not all the ladies will be stripping, though some of the non-dancers besides will be available for Polaroids. "On Polaroids alone, we should make a lot of money," Turkel figured.
There will be two shows, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and, said Turkel, "in between the shows, everybody's going to be shooed out." A second admission fee will be required of those who want to attend both sessions, each of which will have different performers.
