Riverside Baptist Church Petitions to Close Members-Only Sex Club in Connecticut

In the quiet town of Terryville, Connecticut, a controversy has erupted over the presence of the Wicked Fun Club, a private swingers club operating adjacent to the Riverside Baptist Church. The club, which opened in November 2024, has drawn the ire of local residents and officials, leading to a cease-and-desist order from the town's Zoning Board of Appeals.

Pastor David Townsley of Riverside Baptist Church first grew suspicious when he noticed an unusual number of cars parked late at night in the shared lot. His concerns were confirmed when he inadvertently directed some lost individuals to the club's "naked karaoke" event. The proximity of the club to the church—approximately 30 feet—violates local zoning laws that prohibit adult-use businesses within 1,000 feet of religious institutions.

Club owner Steve Gagne argues that the Wicked Fun Club is a private, members-only social club, not an adult-use business as defined by the town's regulations. He contends that the club does not fit the legal definition of an adult-use establishment and that the state's lack of specific regulations for such clubs supports his position. Gagne has expressed his intention to challenge the town's decision in court, citing violations of constitutional rights and alleging harassment.

The question of zoning is a considerably murkier one than it might initially appear. Aside from the club’s close proximity to the church, the March 28 cease-and-desist letter pointed out that adult-use businesses are explicitly not permitted within the town’s C-1 General Commercial District. Additionally, such establishments cannot be situated adjacent to any residential zones, a regulation that directly impacts the Wicked Fun Club due to its current location.

Members of the Riverside Baptist Church erupted in robust applause on Tuesday when Plymouth’s Zoning Board of Appeals upheld those legal findings and subsequently denied Gagne’s appeal, according to a report from the local newspaper, The Bristol Press. Gagne alleged that the ZBA's decision was “predetermined” from the outset, and he noted that of the roughly 100 or so people who attended the meeting, only nine were there to express support for the Wicked Fun Club. “Everybody else belonged to the Christian right, and it was just mob rule,” he vehemently asserted.

“It was truly an angry display of the most un-Christian-like behavior I have ever witnessed — both publicly and personally — in my entire life.” While Townsley also characterized the meeting atmosphere as “very, very tense,” he took away a different perspective regarding the proceedings. “[Gagne] claims it was just this Bible-thumping mob that was mean to him and that sort of thing,” he fired back in response. “But, you know, in reality, this was the town finally … saying, ‘We’re not going for this. Get out of town; we don’t want this in our town.’”

The club offers themed events and workshops aimed at fostering connections among its members, who range in age from 26 to 60 and include professionals from various fields. Despite the club's efforts to maintain a discreet presence, the controversy has sparked a broader debate about the regulation of adult-oriented businesses and the balance between personal freedoms and community standards.

What are your thoughts on this situation?

Should private clubs like the Wicked Fun Club be subject to the same zoning laws as public adult-use businesses?

How should communities navigate the tension between individual liberties and collective values? Share your opinions in the comments below.