Fluoride activists target MP to promote city ‘mass rally’

Anti-fluoridation activists protested outside the Belmont office of MP Michael Crutchfield yesterday to promote a mass rally later this month.
The activists carried their “Barwon Fluoride Coffin” and demanded that Mr Crutchfield attend the rally to explain his support for fluoridation.
Mr Crutchfield has angered fluoridation opponents with claims they are a “small minority” and with advice for fluoride allergy sufferers to avoid drinking fluoridated water.
Protest organiser Barwon Association for Freedom from Fluoridation said it was confident of majority support.
The association announced it would run the mass rally from 7.30pm on April 23 at Geelong West Town Hall.
Speakers would include a former Australian Dental Association state president and experts on the “serious human rights problem” of fluoridation.
Organisers expected a crowd so large it could “stretch the old town hall to more than bursting point”.
State Government announced last month that it would fluoridate the Geelong region before the end of June next year.
Supporters say fluoridation significantly benefits dental health. Opponents say addition of “toxic” fluoride to water supplies is a health threat and a breach of the right to freedom of choice.