LOS ANGELES -- An anti-crime commission headed by a former porn star began collecting signatures Monday for an initiative to make all paid sex acts illegal.
The Holly Ryder Commission said it hoped to gather 1 million signatures by March 2 to put the anti-crime initiative on the November ballot.
If approved by voters, the measure would reverse a 1988 California Supreme Court ruling that sex-for-money is legal if performed in front of a camera or live audience.
Ryder, whose real name is Lisa Maria Abata, had starred in more than 200 triple-X movies before forming the commission.
Ryder said the pornography industry is linked to many criminal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
Commission spokesman John Fitzpatrick said California has been too soft on crime, and that the initiative will help 'reverse the trend of crime' in the state.
The commission also contends that a complete ban on sex-for-money will help California's overall economic condition. Fitzpatrick said a 'tough on crime' attitude will attract more businesses to the state.
