Actors’ union to consider banning full nudity and unexpected French kissing

EQUITY, the actors’ union, is to consider detailed guidelines governing simulated sex on stage and screen, banning full nudity and ruling on the mixing of saliva during kissing.

The plans, which follow allegations of sexual harassment in the industry, are designed to protect members from predatory colleagues after actresses complained about their treatment.

Due for discussion later this month, the guidelines suggest banning nudity at first auditions and screen tests altogether, and finding “appropriate covering for genitalia” at all times.

When scenes require kissing, actors and actresses should begin with a peck with “no use of tongues” unless it is agreed in advance.

The proposals have been written with the intention of setting out formal plans to eradicate abusive behaviour in the industry, and end incidents of actresses being “surprised” by aspects of sex scenes once filming has begun.

Writing about its “agenda for change” on sexual harassment issues, Maureen Beattie, the union’s vice-president, said: “Sexual harassment has been in the marrow of our industry, but we are going to make it so utterly unacceptable that even the most hardline harassers will refrain from moving in on someone.”