A California legislative committee has put off a vote on a controversial pornography tax.
Democratic Assemblyman Charles Calderon proposed a 25% tax hike on adult entertainment such as strip clubs, DVD's and pay-per-view movies. He says it would help pay for programs related to the effects of the industry like drug use and sexually transmitted diseases.
Shelley Lubben is a former adult entertainer who supports the tax.
Lubben:
"I was exposed to sexually transmitted disease, which is a non-curable disease. I was also exposed to drugs and alcohol every single day. Yes, there are drugs on the set."
Calderon estimates the tax would bring in up to 700 million dollars a year. Diane Duke is with the adult entertainment, industry supported Free Speech Coalition. She says the increase would drive the lucrative industry away:
Duke: "Make no mistake. Our industry will leave the state. A 25% multi-use tax on our industry would just be destructive."
The Revenue and Taxation committee did not take a scheduled vote on the bill Monday. It could reschedule a vote in the future.
