Suicide of Tyrone Unsworth
| Tyrone Unsworth | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 16, 2003 |
| Died | November 22, 2016 Brisbane, Australia |
| Cause of death | Suicide |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | Aspley State High School |
| Occupation | Student |
The suicide of Tyrone Unsworth (August 16, 2003 - November 22, 2016) occurred on November 22, 2016, in Brisbane, Australia. Unsworth, a 13 year-old boy, committed suicide after years of bullying motivated by his homosexuality. His death garnered considerable national attention in Australia, as well as international attention.
Unsworth's suicide was particularly controversial because it took place in the context of a number of vigorous debates in Australia about LGBTI issues, notably same-sex marriage and LGBTI-specific anti-bullying programs in schools. Throughout 2016, there had been significant controversy over one such program: the Safe Schools Coalition Australia, of which the federal government had curtailed the operation. Unsworth's death renewed criticism of that decision, and was cited as evidence that the program was needed.
There are ongoing criminal proceedings regarding some of the bullying Unsworth faced from his school peers.
In February 2016, the Safe Schools Coalition Australia, an initiative designed to combat anti-LGBTI prejudice in schools, became the center of significant political and social debate. It was criticized by conservatives prominent in both media and politics, who contended that the program was more about enforcing a radical view of sexuality and gender on school children than its stated goals. It was also criticized by socially conservative activists such as the Australian Christian Lobby, who objected to its affirmation of homosexuality and its opposition to homophobia.
On February 23, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that the program would be reviewed, a move heavily criticized by LGBTI advocates and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. On March 11, the review was given to the government, and it was made public on March 16. The review largely vindicated the program, angering conservative MPs. 43 Coalition MPs signed a petition calling for the program to be suspended. On March 18, the federal government announced that the program would be significantly curtailed. Its response went beyond that recommended by the review, which led to further criticism by LGBTI advocates.
The program continued to be the subject of controversy throughout the year. LGBTI advocates have expressed concerns that the ongoing controversy had caused an increase in anti-LGBTI school bullying.
On August 11, 2015, after a party room meeting of both the Liberal and National parties, the Coalition government decided that while they would continue to vote as a block against same-sex marriage for the term of Parliament of the time, it would hold a plebiscite on same-sex marriage after the next election. The proposal was almost unanimously rejected by the LGBTI community; one survey returned 85% opposition to a plebiscite among the LGBTI community. Opinion polls at the time showed a strong majority of Australians in favour of the proposal; however, some LGBTI advocates have contended that this support was not due to in-principle support for a plebiscite, but rather the loss of faith in the Parliament to legislate, and a belief that a plebiscite was necessary to legalise same-sex marriage.
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