The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced that it will provide two Action Center booths this January, one at the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo and one at Internext.
Staffed by adult performers and FSC staff and under the direction of Legislative Affairs Director Kat Sunlove, the Action Centers have over time become a centerpiece of FSC industry and consumer outreach, providing trade show attendees and exhibitors the opportunity to learn more about critical issues facing the industry. They also offer people a chance to send letters to legislators about a special topic of concern.
Adult talent will also be signing posters at the booths throughout the day. There will also be an AEE booth drawing for a DVD Camcorder and an Internext booth drawing for FSC services that may include free membership and/or legal services. Details will be available at the booths.
This year, the FSC Action Centers will focus on the Pence Amendment (H.R. 3726), a bill introduced in September 2005 by Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) that seeks to drastically amend U.S.C. 18 §2257, the federal labeling and record keeping requirements. Among other provisions contained in the bill, H.R. 3726 targets adults who record visual images of consensual sexual activity in the privacy of their own homes, adds mere nudity and clothed images of pubic areas to the definition of “sexually explicit conduct” as defined in U.S.C. 18 §2256, and seeks to criminalize the production of obscenity in addition to distribution. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has introduced S. 2140, a somewhat similar bill, in the Senate. Analysis for each will be provided at the FSC Action Centers.
Below is a list of other FSC events and activities at AEE/Internext:
•FSC Membership Meeting - Thursday Jan. 5 at 5:30 p.m. - The Sands Expo
Meeting Room #403. On the agenda will be the introduction of the 2006 Board of Directors, all or most of who will be in attendance, a discussion of the FSC 2006 Strategic Plan, and guest speakers providing updates on FSC lawsuits challenging the Utah Child Protection Registry and 2257, with Q&A to follow.
•FSC Booth (#625) in the B2B Marketplace - Located in Hall G and new for 2006, the B2B Marketplace will be in separate exhibit Hall and is designed specifically for the private use of exhibitors. FSC will keep an un-staffed booth there for networking, interviews or other private business. Any media requests for interviews are asked to go through Communications Director Tom Hymes, who can be reached at [email protected], or by cell at 818.304.1712.
•FSC Co-Sponsoring AEE Seminar –Thursday, Jan. 5, from 3:30-5 p.m. – Seminar titled, “Are You In Compliance with Section 2257?” Section 2257 requires producers of adult product to keep records on their performers. Recently, the regulation was expanded to require 'secondary" producers to keep records as well. Learn what Section 2257 is, who is subject to it, what your responsibilities are under it and how to be in compliance with it. Join us as a panel of experts goes through what this law means for you.
•Tom Hymes Moderating Internext Seminar - Saturday, Jan. 7, from 2– 3 p.m. – “Porn Under Attack: The new war on pornography is just getting started. Our legal experts report from the front lines.” Featuring a panel of esteemed industry attorneys – including Paul Cambria, Louis Sirkin and Jeffrey Douglas – this seminar will explore the nature of the current threat to the adult entertainment industry.
•FSC “Proud To Be A Member” Placards – FSC staff member Rashaan Hayes will be distributing the organization's new placards on Thursday, Jan. 5, exclusively for exhibitors who are FSC members, to place at their booths as a sign of support. Anyone interested in becoming a member is encouraged to call Rashaan at [email protected], or at 818-987-8426.
•Staff Members in Attendance – Anyone wishing to meet with FSC staff at the January shows should contact either the FSC main office at 818-348-9373 or Hymes. Staff members available for meetings or interviews are Executive Director Michelle Freridge, Sunlove, Director of Membership Development Scott Lowther, Membership Coordinator Rashaan Hayes and Hymes.
