Eros Fingers Australian Sect Over Legal Funding

CANBERRA, Australia — Adult industry trade group The Eros Association has accused a conservative fundamentalist Christian group of offering to pay for legal challenges to stop an adult store in Lithgow, a city in New South Wales about 85 miles northwest of Sydney.

The Lithgow City Council refused permission for Jeff Oliver to open Flirt Adult Store on Lithgow's Main Street, so he appealed the decision to the Land and Environment Court and won the case.

Local members of the Exclusive Brethren offered to fund the council's appeal to the Supreme Court, and the council was ready to accept the money after the New South Wales Department of Local Government decided there was no legal impediment to the city "accepting a donation from a third party."

The city elected not to pursue the appeal, however, and the Flirt Adult Store opened.

Lithgow City Councilmember Martin Ticehurst said he was disturbed that it is perfectly legal for councils to accept money from groups — such as the Brethren — that wanted to influence outcomes.

"It's not just the involvement of religious groups that concerns me," Ticehurst said. "Councils should not be allowed to accept money from any activist group. It could be perceived as a form of bribery, and I think it's potentially dangerous."

Eros Association Media Director Robbie Swan thinks more interference from the Exclusive Brethren is coming.

"There is increasing evidence that the exclusive brethren have infiltrated other morals groups around the nation and have embarked on a national campaign to stop adult retail shops from opening," Swan said.

"There is also increasing evidence that their members are secretly being elected to local councils, with moral agendas their main reason for being there. There's an urgent need for a national [investigation] into just how far this 'entryism' has gone and to what extent local government decisions on moral matters have been compromised by this cult."

The fundamentalist group, which calls itself "a Christian Fellowship based on the Holy Scriptures," does not allow its members to vote and is reportedly a donor to Australia's Liberal Party.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

'Groove Thing' Sets Kickstarter Funding Record for Insertable Pleasure Product

Groove Thing, an insertable pleasure product that plays audio, has set a funding record on Kickstarter.

Nalpac/Entrenue, Ohdoki Sign Distro Deal for 'The Handy'

Nalpac/Entrenue has inked an exclusive U.S. distribution deal with Ohdoki Products for The Handy.

Onahole Debuts New 'Miss Boss Cup' Stroker

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Miss Boss Cup stroker.

ProDx Health Introduces 'Trust 1' HPV Test

ProDx Health has introduced its new Trust 1 Home Collection Kit for HPV testing.

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

Show More