According to a press release published today, the ACNC (The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) has revoked the charity status of the Get Rid of SIDS Project Inc., following a review of their activity.
“The ACNC is committed to protecting public trust and confidence in the sector, which includes revoking the charity status of organisations which are not operating in accordance with the ACNC Act and Regulations,” said Acting Commissioner David Locke.
Get Rid of SIDS researches into causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – which on surface level would seem hella great, right?
WRONG.
The charity was established by Stephanie Messenger, who is associated with the anti-vaccine organisation, Australian Vaccine-Skeptics Network (AVN), and was also listed as one of the organisers of the Australian speaking tour of Sherri Tenpenny.
Yep, you know that name. Sherri Tenpenny is that crazy American anti-vaxx “doctor” (she’s actually an osteopath), who had all of her shows here cancelled and had thousands of signatures on collective petitions asking government officials to revoke her Australian visa. (Super proud of us on that by the way everyone, top work.)
Messenger also authored a children’s book called ‘Melanie’s Marvelous Measles’, which tells children that the disease is good for them 😐
Messenger told Pro Bono Australia News that “what has happened is nothing more than a vendetta against me personally,” and that “[I have] no interest in the negativity. Our work into SIDS research will continue regardless,” she said.
