Hanson sticks by candidate after adult store linked to inappropriate Facebook posts

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is sticking by a Queensland election candidate who owns an adult store linked to an inappropriate Facebook message about domestic violence.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson gestures to Thuringowa candidate for One Nation Mark Thornton after being questioned about postings on his sex shop Facebook.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson gestures to Thuringowa candidate for One Nation Mark Thornton after being questioned about postings on his sex shop Facebook. Source: AAP

One Nation candidate Mark Thornton has confirmed he owns an adult store that has been linked to an inappropriate domestic violence reference on Facebook.

During an interview on Friday, Pauline Hanson was blindsided by news one of the Townsville candidates has been linked to the Facebook post. 

Senator Hanson was with her party's candidate for the Queensland seat of Thuringowa, Mark Thornton, when he confirmed at a press conference he owns adult store Cupid's Cabin.

The business's Facebook page, which Mr Thornton said is managed by his wife, posted in January last year: "Good sex should be in the gray (sic) area between 'tickle fight' and domestic violence."

When questioned about his business and the posts by a reporter on Friday, Mr Thornton said he was not aware of that specific message.

"I haven't seen that one mate but it probably comes back to your 50 Shades of Grey type," he said on Friday.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson with Thuringowa candidate for One Nation Mark Thornton.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson with Thuringowa candidate for One Nation Mark Thornton. Source: AAP
Senator Hanson's chief-of-staff James Ashby confirmed the party was aware Mr Thornton owned the adult store as well as a flooring business, which was his Monday-to-Friday job.

Senator Hanson told the press conference she would not be making any rash decisions.

"It's the first time I've been made aware of it," Senator Hanson said.

"I need to actually have a look at this and I will actually be talking to Mark about it and to (deputy state leader) Sam Cox and (state leader) Steve Dickson."

The One Nation leader has since confirmed she would not be disendorsing Mr Thornton.

"I had a talk with him, he runs a legitimate registered business, his partner runs it actually," Senator Hanson said.

"I'm not backing down from this and I'm not disendorsing Mark."

SBS World News has approached Steve Dickson for comment. 

During the interview Mr Thornton also said he was also not aware of a post from September 6 this year stating "I'm selling bra's inbox a pic of your titties so I could see if I got your size (sic)."

"That could been from a staff member, I haven't actually seen the site for quite a while," he said.

"It's my business but I don't manage it. It's a retail shop."

Queensland's Domestic Violence Minister Shannon Fentiman was quick to demand Senator Hanson take control of her party and condemn Mr Thornton for the "deplorable comments".

National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.


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3 min read
Published 10 November 2017 4:16pm
Updated 10 November 2017 7:56pm

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