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

Fantasy Gifts NJ Unveils 'Shave Stix' With Product Launch Event

Sexual wellness retailer Fantasy Gifts NJ introduced its new Shave Stix during a special event at its Lumberton location on April 17.

Motorbunny Now Available on 'Throne' Gift Platform

Motorbunny pleasure products are now available on Throne gift platform.

AV Watch: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Honey's Place Now Distributing Camtoyz

Honey's Place is now distributing Camtoyz pleasure products.

ToyChats Announces Reviewer Incentives

Recently launched pleasure product review site ToyChats has announced a giveaway program for reviewers.

Paradise Marketing Acquires CondomMan

Paradise Marketing has acquired CondomMan distribution.

RIDMII Debuts New Sex Doll Collection

Pleasure brand RIDMII has introduced a new line of sex dolls.

VVD Debuts Combo Set With 'Vkini,' 'Rider Desire'

Pleasure brand VVD has debuted a new bundle with its Vkini vibrating bikini top and Rider Desire saddle.

B-Vibe Expands 'Butties' Collection, Debuts Harness Sets

B-Vibe has expanded its Butties collection with six new anal plugs and introduced two new harness sets.

Dame Acquires Chakrubs

Sexual wellness brand Dame has acquired luxury pleasure products company Chakrubs.

Show More