HIV/AIDS Christian Activist Comments on News That an Adult Porn Star has tested positive for HIV

HIV/AIDS Christian Activist Comments on News That an Adult Porn Star has tested positive for HIV

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

LOS ANGELES, CA (ANS) -- Pastor Bruce Sonnenberg, the Founder and Executive Director of He Intends Victory, who in 1990 began this pioneering work for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, has spoken out on news that the adult film industry's trade association is calling for a moratorium on filming after a porn actress tested positive for HIV.

Cameron Bay

According to ABC News, a porn industry trade group has confirmed that adult film star Cameron Bay tested positive for HIV. It was not a false positive, as was the case in 2011 when another HIV positive test temporarily shut down the porn industry.

Bay released a statement through the Free Speech Coalition, the industry trade group that mandates regular STD testing for performers:

"As difficult as this news is for me today, I am hopeful that no other performers have been affected," she said in the statement. "I plan on doing everything possible to assist the medical professionals and my fellow performers. Following that, my long-term plan is to take care of myself and my health."

Bay's agent, Mark Schechter, said she is "obviously distraught" at the diagnosis but was cooperating with testing organizations to make sure all her partners are notified and tested.

"Cameron has been a model citizen acting responsibly at this most difficult time," Schechter said through the Free Speech Coalition. "Her courage should be lauded."

Several media outlets have also reported that Sydney Leathers, made famous for coming forward as disgraced Congressman and now New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner's latest sexting partner, was exposed to HIV while making the adult movie "Weiner and Me," because her co-star filmed with Bay.

However, Leathers' representatives told ABCNews.com that this is false.

Although Free Speech Coalition has said it is testing Bay's partners, and testing is almost complete, Leathers was not contacted, her representative said. When she reached out to Free Speech Coalition after reading the news, it told her she was not connected to Bay and did not need a new HIV test.

Still, Leathers has undergone three HIV tests since making "Weiner and Me," her representative said. They were all negative.

Bruce Sonnenberg speaking

Sonnenberg told the ASSIST News Service, "This is the third time that I know of that this has happened - a porn 'star' apparently passes an HIV infection on to another porn 'star'. "Each time the LA Health Department gets involved and promises to clean up the industry. Last year, a law was passed in California that 'requires' porn 'stars' to use condoms under penalty of law. But the porn business cannot be 'cleaned' up because it is based on sin, and a sin that is especially infectious."

He added: "When there are so many innocent people infected with HIV/AIDS around the world with AIDS widows and AIDS orphans, what a waste of life to deliberately be in an industry of smut and filth that provides HIV infection. It proves once again that that we live in a world of people who need Jesus and the love and forgiveness that only He can give."

For more information, please contact Bruce Sonnenberg at either 1-800-HIV-HOPE or via the website, www.HeIntendsVictory.com 

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