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

We-Vibe to Launch Retail Summer Sales Contest

We-Vibe has announced its Summer Sales contest for all North American retail staff members, to run July 3 - Aug. 7.

Ofcom Investigates FTV Sites for Possible AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom is investigating First Time Videos, which operates the sites FTVGirls.com and FTVMilfs.com, for possible failure to comply with age assurance requirements under the Online Safety Act.

Onahole Debuts New 'Cow Gal' Love Torso

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Cow Gal love torso.

Orion Debuts New 'Vaginal Trainer With Bouncing Weights' From 'You2Toys' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the new Vaginal Trainer with Bouncing Weights from its You2Toys line.

Fleshlight Debuts Robin Coffins Stroker

Fleshlight has introduced its new Pro stroker, molded from the anatomy of Robin Coffins.

Howl Marks Successful Fundraising Campaign

Wellness brand Howl has announced the success of its crowdfunding goal of £370,000.

Male Power Debuts New 'Oh Snap!' Collection

Male Power has introduced the Oh Snap! line of men’s underwear.

Electric Novelties Debuts New 'Gemsations' Anal Plug Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced its Gemsations line of anal plugs in silicone and metal options.

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

Adam & Eve Reveals Results of 'Happy Ending Dream' Survey

Adam & Eve has released the results of a survey asking respondents if they have ever had a sex dream with a happy ending.

Show More