Fridae

The struggle is on in West Hollywood as activists lobby to have fishbowls with condoms and instructional literature displayed in bars and other establishments frequented by gay patrons. With the rise of STD infections, concerned West Hollywood residents try to increase safe sex practises by making condoms easily available in the city's bars and clubs. On March 6, the city's populace will be asked to take a vote on Measure A, a mandate that would require the city to distribute at least half a million free condoms a year and would require all businesses that earn more than 50% of their income from liquor to display the prophylactics, as well as safe sex literature.

The move is faced with resistance by many business owners, who have launched a campaign to fight Measure A. They claim that mandatory distribution in family establishments would be inappropriate. Some owners find it distasteful, and claim that it would be wasteful to place them in places not frequented by gay men, such as straight bars.

The Measure has been in the works for over a year. It is backed by the AID Healthcare Foundation (AHF). They are also lobbying to have condoms distributed in straight establishments, as these people are equally at risk. In the last year, studies have shown an alarming increase in the incidence of HIV, syphilis and many other STDs in the area, both among gay and straight people.