Suicide of Tyrone Unsworth

{{Main article|Safe Schools Coalition Australia}}

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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.corybernardi.com/keep_political_agendas_out_of_schools|title=Keep political agendas out of schools|last=Bernardi|first=Cory|date=10 February 2016|website=corybernardi.com|access-date=30 November 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/comment/government-and-teacher-union-hypocrisy-as-lgbti-agenda-plugged-in-schools-20160208-gmp18h.html|title=Safe Schools Coalition is more about LGBTI advocacy than making schools safer|last=Donnelly|first=Kevin|date=11 February 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=30 November 2016}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.acl.org.au/children_are_never_too_young_to_learn_about_rainbow_sex|title=Children Are Never Too Young To Learn About Rainbow Sex|last=Shelton|first=Lyle|date=10 May 2016|website=Australian Christian Lobby|access-date=30 November 2016|quote=The Safe Schools hub also encourages schools to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia. There is no international day against bullying over body image – the most rampant form of bullying in schools by a long way.}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/this-is-not-about-bigotry-or-homophobia-this-is-about-fact/news-story/e9d2d13b9d89f3c84e59c23533d43837|title=This is not about bigotry or homophobia. This is about fact|last=Shelton|first=Lyle|date=16 August 2016|website=Daily Telegraph|access-date=30 November 2016|quote=But we know that Safe Schools is not an anti-bullying program. Its founder Roz Ward, a La Trobe University academic, has said same-sex marriage is about sending a message that “transphobia” and “homophobia” is unacceptable.}}

On 23 February, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that the program would be reviewed,{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-23/turnbull-requests-investigation-into-safe-schools-program/7192374|title=Safe Schools: Malcolm Turnbull requests investigation into program helping LGBTI students|last=Anderson|first=Stephanie|date=23 February 2016|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=30 November 2016}} a move heavily criticized by LGBTI advocates and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/at-least-im-not-a-homophobe-bill-shorten-in-tense-exchange-with-cory-bernardi-20160223-gn1xdl?deviceType=text|title='At least I'm not a homophobe': Bill Shorten in tense exchange with Cory Bernardi|last=Hunter|first=Fergus|date=24 February 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=30 November 2016}} On 11 March the review was given to the government,{{Cite web|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/news/politics/federal/2016/03/11/government-to-receive-safe-schools-review.html|title=Government to receive Safe Schools review|date=11 March 2016|website=Sky News|access-date=30 November 2016}} and it was made public on 16 March. The review largely vindicated the program, angering conservative MPs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/conservative-mps-angry-after-safe-schools-review-finds-program-should-not-be-scrapped-20160315-gnjzgf.html|title=Conservative MPs angry after Safe Schools review finds program should not be scrapped|last=Koziol|first=Michael|date=16 March 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=30 November 2016}} 43 Coalition MPs signed a petition calling for the program to be suspended.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/safe-schools-malcolm-turnbull-forced-to-act-on-funding-for-controversial-sexed-program/news-story/51dfbc4b15e86483632f6f6909bdac15|title=Safe Schools: Malcolm Turnbull forced to act on funding for controversial sex-ed program|last1=Benson|first1=Simon|last2=Meers|first2=Daniel|date=18 March 2016|website=Daily Telegraph|access-date=30 November 2016}} On 18 March the federal government announced that the program would be significantly curtailed.{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/politics/education-minister-simon-birmingham-unveils-sweeping-changes-to-safe-schools-program/news-story/23a3e12c563cb798060a40a1ff7a0951|title=Education Minister Simon Birmingham unveils sweeping changes to Safe Schools program|last=Vickery|first=Cara|date=18 March 2016|website=News.com.au|access-date=30 November 2016}} Its response went beyond that recommended by the review, which led to further criticism by LGBTI advocates.{{Cite web|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/feature/minus18-speaks-out-about-changes-to-safe-schools-20757.html|title=Minus18 speaks out about changes to Safe Schools|last=Cook|first=Rachel|date=22 March 2016|website=Gay News Network|access-date=30 November 2016}}

The program continued to be the subject of controversy throughout the year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-23/safe-schools-mp-lodges-petition-against-program-signed-by-17000/7777030|title=Safe Schools: Australian Chinese community petition against anti-bullying program lodged in NSW|last=Kozaki|first=Danuta|date=24 August 2016|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=30 November 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-22/liberal-mp-calls-for-safe-schools-program-to-be-scrapped-in-nsw/7870046|title=Liberal MP calls for Safe Schools program to be scrapped in NSW|last=McNally|first=Lucy|date=22 September 2016|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=30 November 2016}} LGBTI advocates have expressed concerns that the ongoing controversy had caused an increase in anti-LGBTI school bullying.{{Cite web|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/national/counselling-services-reports-surge-in-bullying-of-lgbtiq-kids-22506.html|title=Counselling services report surge in bullying of LGBTIQ kids|last=Busby|first=Cec|date=28 November 2016|website=Gay News Network|access-date=3 December 2016}}

On 11 August 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-11/same-sex-marriage-party-room-votes-in-favour-of-status-quo/6689678|title=Same-sex marriage: Coalition party room in favour of the status quo; no conscience vote on gay marriage|last1=Uhlmann|first1=Chris|last2=Borrello|first2=Eliza|date=11 August 2015|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=28 January 2017}} The proposal was almost unanimously rejected by the LGBTI community in Australia; one survey returned 85% opposition to a plebiscite among the LGBTI community.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/biggest-ever-study-of-lgbtiq-australians-finds-85-oppose-plebiscite-on-samesex-marriage-20160801-gqi6i3.html|title=Biggest ever study of LGBTIQ Australians finds 85% oppose plebiscite on same-sex marriage|last=McIlroy|first=Tom|date=1 August 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=28 January 2017}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2016/09/17/battlelines-drawn-same-sex-marriage-plebiscite/14740344003747|title=Battlelines drawn on same-sex marriage plebiscite|last=Seccombe|first=Mike|date=17 September 2016|website=The Saturday Paper|access-date=28 January 2017}}

After taking over the leadership of the Liberal Party and Prime Ministership in September 2015, Malcolm Turnbull pledged to continue the government's support for a plebiscite.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-15/malcolm-turnbull-keeps-same-sex-marriage-climate-change-policies/6777416|title=Malcolm Turnbull keeps same-sex marriage, climate change policies on first day as Prime Minister|last=Henderson|first=Anna|date=15 September 2015|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=28 January 2017}} An attempt at a conscience vote on same-sex marriage was blocked by the government on 2 March 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/labor-fails-to-bring-on-gay-marriage-bill/news-story/cbfca4a0302f7632409f1c9b782d4880|title=Labor fails to bring on gay marriage bill|date=2 March 2016|website=News.com.au|access-date=28 January 2017}}

One argument against the plebiscite offered by its opponents is that it would have a negative impact on the mental health of LGBTI people. On 22 October 2015, during Parliament's Question Time, Shorten asked Turnbull about his support for the plebiscite, citing a submission from Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria opposing the plebiscite on mental health grounds. Turnbull responded that the debate would be respectful.{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2015/s4337033.htm|title=PM|last=Yaxley|first=Louise|date=22 October 2015|access-date=28 January 2017|via=ABC Radio}}

The Coalition campaigned on the plebiscite at the 2016 election, pledging to hold it if re-elected. Labor pledged a parliamentary vote on same-sex marriage if it was elected, with Shorten citing the Orlando nightclub shooting as highlighting the possible dangers of a plebiscite.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2016/leaders-debate-bill-shorten-raises-spectre-of-orlando-shootings-jo-cox-murder-in-debate-on-samesex-marriage-plebiscite-20160617-gpm37f.html|title=Leaders' debate: Bill Shorten raises spectre of Orlando shootings, Jo Cox murder in debate on same-sex marriage plebiscite|last=Wroe|first=David|date=17 June 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=28 January 2017}} His comment was criticized by opponents of same-sex marriage.{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/gay-vote-no-comparison-to-orlando-shorten/news-story/8e68c6272d9bc2604098c390110b16a9|title=Shorten, Greens dismay gay marriage foes|last1=Scott|first1=Elise|last2=Chirichiello|first2=Rebecca|date=18 June 2016|website=News.com.au|access-date=28 January 2017}}

The Coalition was re-elected at the 2 July election with a one-seat majority,{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-11/coalition-secures-majority-government-as-lnp-retains-capricornia/7587578|title=Election 2016: LNP retains Capricornia, gives Coalition 76-seat majority government|last1=Conifer|first1=Dan|last2=Dziedzic|first2=Stephen|date=12 July 2016|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=28 January 2017}} and continued planning for the plebiscite. However, in July 2016, opinion polls began to show decreasing support for the proposal. One poll found initial support for a plebiscite to be 48%, but that when voters were aware that Coalition MPs would not be required to vote for same-sex marriage if it was passed, support dropped to 35%, and when voters were aware that it would cost $160 million, support fell to 25%.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/poll-questions-level-of-community-support-for-samesex-marriage-plebiscite-20160720-gq9wed.html|title=Poll questions level of community support for same-sex marriage plebiscite|last=Aston|first=Heath|date=20 July 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=28 January 2017}}

On 12 September 2016, Shorten spoke in Parliament against a plebiscite. He again invoked mental health, but also suicide, commenting:{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bill-shorten-hardens-position-against-samesex-plebiscite-saying-one-suicide-is-too-many-20160912-gre576.html|title=Bill Shorten hardens position against same-sex plebiscite, saying: 'One suicide is too many'|last=Koziol|first=Michael|date=September 12, 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=January 28, 2017}}

Every piece of expert advice tells us young Australians who are gay are more likely to contemplate suicide and more likely to take their own lives. The idea of young people, perhaps yet to come out, seeing the legitimacy of their identity debated on the national stage. That is not an ideal inflicted on any citizen when we have a better path. Let me be as blunt as possible: a 'no' campaign would be an emotional torment for gay teenagers, and if one child commits suicide over the plebiscite, then that is one too many.

The bill for the plebiscite was introduced to the Parliament on 14 September 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/malcolm-turnbull-introduces-samesex-marriage-plebiscite-legislation-to-parliament-20160914-grfyjg.html|title=Malcolm Turnbull introduces same-sex marriage plebiscite legislation to Parliament|last=Koziol|first=Michael|date=14 September 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=28 January 2017}} On 11 October the Labor caucus unanimously decided to bind against it. With Labor's numbers against it in the Senate, passage of the plebiscite bill was widely considered impossible.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/samesex-marriage-plebiscite-dead-after-labor-caucus-agreed-to-block-legislation-20161010-grzdkj.html|title=Same-sex marriage plebiscite dead after Labor caucus agreed to block legislation|last=Koziol|first=Michael|date=11 October 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald}} It passed the House on 20 October,{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/marriage/samesex-marriage-plebiscite-passes-lower-house/news-story/ea3f50ad9fef8f40390ffc1141a739bb|title=Same-sex marriage plebiscite passes Lower House|date=20 October 2016|website=News.com.au|access-date=28 January 2017}} but was voted down by the Senate on 7 November.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-07/same-sex-marriage-plebiscite-bill-blocked-by-senate/8003430|title=Same-sex marriage plebiscite bill blocked by Senate|last1=Keany|first1=Francis|last2=Holman|first2=Julia|date=7 November 2016|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=28 January 2017}} (However, after Unsworth's death, a popular vote on same-sex marriage did take place in the form of the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey.)

LGBTI advocates have repeatedly criticised the debate about marriage equality in Australia as vitriolic,{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/07/australians-must-fight-back-against-the-anti-gay-crusade|title=Australians must fight back against the anti-gay crusade|last=Croome|first=Rodney|date=7 May 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=7 May 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/23/a-civil-marriage-equality-debate-only-if-leaders-call-out-homophobia-wherever-it-occurs|title=A civil marriage equality debate? Only if leaders call out homophobia wherever it occurs|last=Karp|first=Paul|date=23 June 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=28 January 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/22/straight-politicians-dont-understand-what-its-like-to-hide-their-relationships-in-fear|title=Straight politicians don't understand what it's like to hide their relationships in fear|last=Wong|first=Penny|date=22 June 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=28 January 2017}} and have argued that homophobia generated by the debate and the plebiscite contributed to Unsworth's suicide. Some have further argued that his suicide vindicates criticism of the plebiscite on the grounds it would make LGBTI suicides more likely.{{Cite web|url=http://junkee.com/prejudice-violence-learned-2016-poured-top/90463|title=Prejudice And Violence Are Learned, And In 2016 They Poured Down From The Top|last=Rugg|first=Sally|date=27 November 2016|website=Junkee|access-date=28 January 2017|quote="Politicians, the media and anti-LGBTI campaigners spent the final year of Tyrone's life saying that gay people should be grateful to have our rights put to a popular vote. Had it not been for an exhausting, emotionally laborious and ultimately successful community campaign, Australia would soon be forced to a national plebiscite on the worthiness of LGBTIQ people's relationships. Why should parents offer unwavering acceptance when their child comes out, when the government was about to hold a $200 million national vote on whether to accept LGBTIQ people as equal? How could a kid not feel scared and self-loathsome when the identity they're discovering is considered so controversial that the Coalition can't legislate for our right to marry for fear of losing government?"}}

Unsworth attended Aspley State High School in Brisbane, Australia.

His mother reported that he was gay and that he had been consistently bullied over his sexuality for years, telling the Courier-Mail, "He was a really feminine male, he loved fashion, he loved make-up and the boys always picked on him, calling him gay-boy, faggot, fairy; it was a constant thing from Year Five."

Unsworth was Indigenous.{{cite news |last1=Bonson |first1=Dameyon |title=I am Indigenous. I am gay. Unlike Tyrone Unsworth, I survived {{!}} Dameyon Bonson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/28/i-am-indigenous-i-am-gay-unlike-tyrone-unsworth-i-survived |work=The Guardian |date=28 November 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Law |first1=Benjamin |title=That could have been me: Benjamin Law on the suicide of gay schoolboy Tyrone Unsworth |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/12/that-could-have-been-me-benjamin-law-on-the-suicide-of-gay-schoolboy-tyrone-unsworth |work=The Guardian |date=11 September 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Power |first1=Shannon |title=What Tyrone's death means for the LGBTI Aboriginal community |url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/tyrones-death-means-lgbti-aboriginal-community/154186 |work=Star Observer |date=29 November 2016}}

On 27 October 2016, Unsworth was the victim of a violent assault, in which he was struck in the jaw with a fence pole. His aunt has reported that the assault occurred during an argument over a girl between Unsworth and another boy, narrating the argument as follows: "Someone spat on a girl so Tyrone defended the girl. The other fellow who was in the argument went and found a fence paling and while Tyrone had his back turned hit him with it."{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-03/queensland-police-investigate-tyrone-unsworth-assault/8239238|title=Tyrone Unsworth: Queensland police wrap up investigation into 13yo's assault|last=Lewis|first=David|date=February 3, 2017|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=February 3, 2017}}

The assault took place outside the Police Citizens Youth Club in Zillmere in north Brisbane. Students at his school witnessed the assault and took him into the club. Staff at the club called an ambulance.

Unsworth's injuries required surgery, and he was afraid to return to school following the assault. Unsworth's grandmother has reported that "We tried to force him [to return to school], but he just kept saying, 'No, I don't want to go back to school.'"

Following the assault, Unsworth moved to his grandfather's property in Upper Kedron in north west Brisbane to recover. His aunt has said that "He was very different when he got out of hospital". She and his grandfather told Unsworth after almost a month's absence from school that he would have to return to school, a prospect the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has reported "weighed heavily on Tyrone's mind."{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-03/bullied-to-death-the-short-life-of-tyrone-unsworth/8236156|title=Bullied to death: The short life of Tyrone Unsworth|last=Lewis|first=David|date=3 February 2017|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=3 February 2017}}

A friend of Unsworth has reported that the day before he died by suicide, he was on a fishing trip with her and revealed the extent of the bullying he was facing. Unsworth's friend told the ABC's 7.30 program:{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-05/kids-at-school-keep-telling-me-to-kill-myself-tyrone-unsworth/8093910|title=Tyrone Unsworth: Gay Brisbane schoolboy shared bullying torment with friend day before suicide|last=Atkin|first=Michael|date=December 5, 2016|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=December 5, 2016}}

He was an absolute mess, crying his eyes out and telling me everyone wants him dead and I said, "Tyrone, what do you mean everyone wants you dead?" He said, "The kids at school keep telling me to go kill myself", and I was obviously gobsmacked. [The other students] did call him nasty names, like faggot and fairy. He loved girly things, he's chosen dresses for me and his mum to wear, he's asked to use makeup. Kids obviously thought because he's like that he could be a target for their bullying.

There have been conflicting reports about whether or not Unsworth's school was aware of his bullying and the actions it took.

The school has acknowledged knowing about the assault on Unsworth on 27 October but not about other bullying. Unsworth's family has disputed this.

Following Unsworth's suicide, principal Jacquinta Miller said that no allegation had been made about bullying of Unsworth to the school but that the school would have intervened had there been.

Queensland's Department of Education has stated, "Tyrone was absent from school following the [assault] incident and the school attempted to make contact with the family regularly. The school has the best interests of the family and school community at heart in handling this matter."

Unsworth died by suicide on 22 November 2016. His grandfather had planned that he would be at school on this day, but he remained at his grandfather's farm. His grandfather returned to the farm from work at about 1 p.m. When he did not find Unsworth in the house, he "walked out the back" and found him dead.

Unsworth's suicide generated significant attention in Australia,{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-25/mother-blames-schoolyard-bullies-for-13-year-old's-suicide/8059336|title=Brisbane student Tyrone Unsworth takes his life after school bullying, mother says|date=26 November 2016|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=30 November 2016}}{{Cite news|url=https://tenplay.com.au/news/national/november/gay-brisbane-teen-reportedly-bullied-to-death|title=Gay Brisbane teen reportedly bullied to death|date=25 November 2016|access-date=30 November 2016|via=Ten News}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-high-school-student-tyrone-unsworth-takes-own-life-after-being-bullied-about-sexuality/news-story/e25eac8c98dd933cdb5e45e923b0d406|title=Brisbane high school student Tyrone Unsworth takes own life after being bullied about sexuality|last=Martyn-Jones|first=Lauren|date=25 November 2016|website=Courier-Mail|access-date=30 November 2016}} as well as international attention.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-38126373|title=Australia boy's death reignites focus on LGBT bullying|date=28 November 2016|website=British Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=30 November 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rawstory.com/2016/11/online-communities-unite-to-mourn-13-year-old-who-committed-suicide-over-antigay-bullying/|title=Online communities unite to mourn 13-year-old who committed suicide over anti-gay bullying|last=Ferguson|first=David|date=25 November 2016|website=Raw Story|access-date=30 November 2016}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/world/13yo-brisbane-boy-bullied-to-death-over-sexuality-2016112519|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126150300/http://www.newshub.co.nz/world/13yo-brisbane-boy-bullied-to-death-over-sexuality-2016112519|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 November 2016|title=13yo Brisbane boy 'bullied to death' over sexuality|date=25 November 2016|newspaper=Newshub|access-date=30 November 2016}}

Unsworth's mother wrote on Facebook that she "just wanted him to wake up and come home with me." She also said that Unsworth was "pain free now" and that his bullies "can't pick on you anymore, but this shouldn't of had to happen. No words can explain how we are feeling for you and what has happened."[sic] {{Cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/sexuality/agenda/article/2016/11/25/gay-13-year-old-brisbane-boy-dead-after-constant-bullying|title=A gay 13-year-old Brisbane boy is dead after 'constant' bullying|last=Winsor|first=Ben|date=25 November 2016|website=SBS|access-date=30 November 2016}}

Unsworth's grandmother wrote:{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/brisbane-year-7-student-takes-own-life-after-being-bullied-for-sexuality/news-story/b98bcb64168eb9ead21f435001981119|title=Brisbane Year 7 student takes own life after being bullied for sexuality|date=November 25, 2016|website=News.com.au|access-date=November 30, 2016}}

Now you're at ease and peaceful, lay to rest my beautiful grandson, you be flying high with the butterflies and your fairy angels will be guarding you way up in the sky our darling little grandson.

Aspley State High School principal Jacquinta Miller said in a statement that "no allegation of bullying against this young person was made to our school. Neither the student nor his family ever came to us to say there was a problem of any kind. If they did, we absolutely would have stepped in." She also said that Unsworth's family had the school's "deepest sympathies" and that "the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our school is our highest priority and we do not tolerate bullying in any way, shape or form."

A parent of children at Aspley State High petitioned the school to join the Safe Schools Coalition.{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qld-mum-wants-aspley-to-join-safe-schools/news-story/320c77b528caf59e25cf291b96a2839d|title=Qld mum wants Aspley to join Safe Schools|last=Cartwright|first=Darren|date=28 November 2016|website=News.com.au|access-date=30 November 2016}} The petition quickly garnered 20,000 signatures.{{Cite web|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/news/14765/Mothers-Safe-Schools-Petition-Smashes-20-000-Signatures|title=Mother's Safe Schools Petition Smashes 20,000 Signatures|last=Moret|first=Glen|date=28 November 2016|website=Same Same|access-date=1 December 2016}}

Vigils were held in various locations around Australia in honour of Unsworth.{{Cite web|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/news/14749/Nationwide-Vigils-To-Be-Held-For-Tyrone-Unsworth|title=Nationwide Vigils To Be Held For Tyrone Unsworth|last=Kaspi-Crutchett|first=Oscar|date=27 November 2016|website=Same Same|access-date=30 November 2016}}

On 4 December, a rally in Unsworth's memory attended by hundreds of people was held in Brisbane. Attendees were asked to dress in bright colours. Speakers and attendees demanded implementation of the Safe Schools program in Queensland schools, with some speakers sharing stories of other LGBTI young people suffering bullying, poor mental health, and in one case, suicide.{{Cite web|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/hundreds-rally-for-bullied-teen-tyrone-unsworth-20161204-gt3oq8.html|title=Hundreds rally for bullied teen Tyrone Unsworth|date=4 December 2016|website=Brisbane Times|access-date=4 December 2016}}

On 5 December, the ABC featured a report on Unsworth's life, suicide and the issues of homophobia and bullying in Australia on its 7.30 program.{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2016/s4587508.htm|title=Bullies told gay teen to kill himself, friend says|last=Atkin|first=Michael|date=5 December 2016|access-date=5 December 2016|via=7.30}}

Australia's LGBTI community reacted with shock and grief to Unsworth's suicide,{{Cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/13-year-olds-suicide-sends-shockwaves-lgbti-community/154115|title=13-year-old's suicide sends shockwaves through LGBTI community|date=25 November 2016|website=Star Observer|access-date=30 November 2016}} and called for more to be done about anti-LGBTI bullying.

The Safe Schools Coalition released a statement saying it was "grieving the loss of a precious young life and express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends effected and ask that the public respect their right to privacy."{{Cite web|url=http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/from-a-safe-schools-coalition-australia-ssca-spokesperson-2|title=From a Safe Schools Coalition Australia (SSCA) spokesperson|date=25 November 2016|website=Safe Schools Coalition Australia|access-date=30 November 2016}}

The New South Wales Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby said that Unsworth's suicide was "why we need Safe Schools", and "Our thoughts are with his devastated family."{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10154577418810336&id=116572905335|title=NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby|date=25 November 2016|website=Facebook|access-date=30 November 2016}}

Micah Scott, the head of Australian LGBTI youth group Minus18, said that "Tyrone's experience isn't an isolated incident. It is shared by LGBTI young people around Australia. I think that is really important to highlight." He criticized what he deemed to be "fearmongering and false information" about the Safe Schools Coalition, which he said was making the program harder to implement.

LGBTI advocate Rodney Croome commented:{{Cite web|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/national/teen-s-suicide-highlights-need-for-safe-schools-22492.html|title=Teen's suicide highlights need for Safe Schools|date=November 25, 2016|website=Gay News Network|access-date=November 30, 2016}}

Being a teenager is hard enough, but being a gay teenager is that much harder because of the stigma, bullying and fear of not fitting in. (LGBTIQ youth suicide rates are) a national disgrace and it requires a national response, starting with training for all teachers in how to recognise and respond to the kind of homophobic bullying that took Tyrone Unsworth's life.

Australian MP for Goldstein Tim Wilson used a 90-second parliamentary speech to pay tribute to Unsworth.{{Cite web|url=http://www.outinperth.com/tim-wilson-pays-tribute-tyrone-unsworth-parliament/|title=Tim Wilson pays tribute to Tyrone Unsworth in parliament|last=Hill|first=Leigh|date=29 November 2016|website=Out In Perth|access-date=30 November 2016}}

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten called Unsworth's suicide "heartbreaking", described him as a "brave young man", and stated that "The importance of Safe Schools has never been clearer to me."{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/billshortenmp/status/805712154590515200|title=Bill Shorten|date=5 December 2016|website=Twitter|access-date=5 December 2016}}

Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek described the news as "absolutely heartbreaking" and that "Labor's thoughts are with Tyrone's lived ones."{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/tanya_plibersek/status/801970431632621568|title=Twitter|last=Plibersek|first=Tanya|date=25 November 2016|access-date=3 January 2017}}

Senior Labor Senator Penny Wong said that "This is a tragic event and my heart goes out to Tyrone's family. This why anti-bullying programs matter and why we need to defend the Safe Schools program."

MP for Herbert Cathy O'Toole called for the Safe Schools program to be further implemented.{{Cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/cathy-otoole/we-need-safe-schools-we-need-it-now/|title=We Need Safe Schools. We Need It Now|last=O'Toole|first=Cathy|date=29 November 2016|website=The Huffington Post|access-date=30 November 2016}}

Queensland Education Minister Kate Jones stated that "the heartbreaking story here is that we know young people who identify as LGBTI are more likely to commit suicide. We have to do more to support all young people to feel safe and supported. We have to work towards a day when we see an end to bullying and discrimination."{{Cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/education-minister-kate-jones-says-more-must-be-done-to-support-lgbti-youths/news-story/8d51783a32e19af630838adb67c2588d|title=Education Minister Kate Jones says more must be done to support LGBTI youths|last1=Martyn-Jones|first1=Lauren|last2=Connors|first2=Matthew|date=26 November 2016|website=Courier-Mail|access-date=30 November 2016|last3=Torpey|first3=Nathan}}

The Australian Family Association called the news of Unsworth's suicide "horrible", while reiterating that the Safe Schools Coalition was "not about bullying."{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ausfamilyassociation/posts/1354705347874523|title=Australian Family Association|date=25 November 2016|website=Facebook|access-date=30 November 2016}}

The Australian Marriage Forum described the news as "terrible", a "tragedy" and a situation of "inconsolable sadness". They said that Unsworth had been "cruelly teased" and "everyone has been shaken" by his suicide. It maintained that his suicide was not a justification for implementing the Safe Schools program.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/australianmarriageforum/posts/910954499004114|title=Australian Marriage Forum|date=28 November 2016|website=Facebook|access-date=30 November 2016}}

The Australian Christian Lobby and Marriage Alliance, another anti-same-sex marriage group, did not comment on Unsworth's suicide, according to same-sex marriage advocacy group Equal Marriage Rights Australia. EMRA criticised their lack of comment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EMRAUST/posts/10154585433000516|title=Equal Marriage Rights Australia|date=26 November 2016|website=Facebook|access-date=20 December 2016}}

Fake social media accounts were set up in Unsworth's name, with the operator of one account saying that their "issue" with Unsworth is "he is a fag".{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/school-life/family-of-tyrone-unsworth-the-brisbane-boy-who-took-his-own-life-after-bullying-are-being-trolled/news-story/25c56412bb26399c8bf415427a91836b|title=Family of Tyrone Unsworth, the Brisbane boy who took his own life after bullying, are being trolled|date=1 December 2016|website=News.com.au|access-date=3 December 2016}} Rodney Croome stated that Unsworth was "being bullied beyond the grave" and that the operation of fake accounts "highlights how deep the hatred of LGBTI people still runs in some parts of Australian society."{{cn|date=February 2020}}

Unsworth's suicide sparked fierce criticism of conservative activists who had campaigned against LGBTI anti-bullying initiatives such as the Safe Schools Coalition.

LGBTI rights activist Simon Hunt argued that "The Australian Christian Lobby and The Australian are culpable in Tyrone's death because of their relentless, dishonest campaign against #SafeSchools."

Lobbying group Secular Public Education severely criticised the Australian Christian Lobby, calling it "viciously homophobic" and accusing it of "intense hate-campaigning", "malicious actions and bullying tactics". SPE alleged that the controversy over Safe Schools had been "entirely fabricated" by the ACL, which was "relentlessly assisted" by News Limited, and that as a result of their campaigning, "Queensland schools running the program are subjected to a constant stream of abusive correspondence, emails and phone calls."{{Cite web|url=http://spe.org.au/education-queensland-must-cease-pandering-to-the-religious-right/|title=Education Queensland must cease pandering to the religious right|date=26 November 2016|website=Secular Public Education|access-date=6 December 2016}}

Equal Marriage Rights Australia asserted that the Australian Christian Lobby and other conservative activists had "so much blood on its hands" due to Unsworth's suicide.

Daily Telegraph contributor Shannon Molloy wrote that "there are a lot of people with the innocent blood of a 13-year-old boy on their hands this week" and wondered "if they're happy about it." He accused some conservative activists of "devoting significant portions of their lives to attacking, persecuting, degrading and seeking the continued marginalisation of gay, lesbian and transgender people" and said he "wouldn't be surprised if inside their cold, dead hearts there's a rare and excited beat" over Unsworth's death.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/tyrone-unsworth-deserved-better-and-now-hes-dead/news-story/7b6fe5dcceecd3efb0a2ebcc046c91f5|title=Tyrone Unsworth deserved better. And now he's dead|last=Molloy|first=Shannon|date=28 November 2016|website=Daily Telegraph|access-date=30 November 2016}}

Contributor for The Guardian Nic Holas wrote that anger over the death "is best directed" towards "architects" of the campaign against the Safe Schools Coalition. He identified those architects as "the editors and staff of conservative newspapers; the rightwing politicians like Queensland's own George Christensen, who continues to attack any and every aspect of the Safe Schools program and had the temerity to gloat after he successfully "gutted" the anti-bullying program; the Australian Christian Lobby who target LGBTIQA children and illegally use their images to spread a deceitful campaign." Holas attributed Unsworth's bullying to "a culture of conservatism gone mad".{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/26/i-will-not-stand-by-and-let-more-queer-kids-tumble-into-helplessness#img-1|title=I will not stand by and let more queer kids tumble into helplessness|last=Holas|first=Nic|date=26 November 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=30 November 2016}}

Fairfax Media writer John Birmingham wrote that Unsworth's suicide was an example of "the real-world consequences of the cruel games played by politicians like George Christensen and Cory Bernardi, and the cowardice of Malcolm Turnbull". He accused the trio of believing it to be "so important [Unsworth] and every child like him be made to feel like hunted freaks."{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/comment/blunt-instrument/tyrone-unsworth-death-shines-harsh-light-on-poofterbashing-20161128-gsziop.html|title=Tyrone Unsworth death shines harsh light on poofter-bashing|last=Birmingham|first=John|date=29 November 2016|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=30 November 2016}}

Fellow Fairfax writer Tim Dick condemned "grown-up bullies, those adults who attack, smear, vilify the people who drew up an optional educational tool to reduce the amount of hate people have to face."{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/comment/suicide-of-bullied-boy-tyrone-unsworth-preventable-tim-dick-20161125-gsxlct.html|title=Tyrone Unsworth was just a little boy whose death was preventable|last=Dick|first=Tim|date=28 November 2016|website=The Age|access-date=30 November 2016}}

The Labor politician Cathy O'Toole said that the federal government had made "incredibly cruel and divisive remarks" about the program.

Courier Mail contributor Lauren Martyn-Jones wrote that "Tyrone Unsworth is just the sort of kid the Safe Schools program was established to support, before it became mired in controversy and ended up as a whipping post for the right-wing, anti-PC brigade."{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/this-needs-to-end-now-we-must-support-safe-schools/news-story/2642b68a043f2bf10937e33d26518908|title=This needs to end now. We must support Safe Schools|last=Martyn-Jones|first=Lauren|date=27 November 2016|website=Daily Telegraph|access-date=30 November 2016}}

The Salvation Army was criticised for issuing a statement shortly after Unsworth's death saying that it would not support the Safe Schools Coalition in its current form.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/comment/view-from-the-street/why-i-wont-be-supporting-the-salvation-army-this-christmas-20161207-gt5ohs.html|title=Why I won't be supporting the Salvation Army this Christmas|last=Street|first=Andrew|date=7 December 2016|website=The Age|access-date=8 December 2016}}

Michael Barnett, co-convenor of Jewish LGBTI group Aleph, commented that "News Corp journalists like Andrew Bolt, Miranda Devine and Rita Panahi are on a crusade to destroy transgender kids", a claim strongly denied and criticised by Bolt.{{Cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/blogs/andrew-bolt/gay-activist-must-apologise-for-this-lie/news-story/74a5f2de7824ee18766357ca0d63a6d2|title=Gay activist must apologise for this lie|last=Bolt|first=Andrew|date=26 November 2016|website=Herald Sun|access-date=3 December 2016}}

Unsworth's funeral was on 1 December 2016. Over $20,000 was raised by his family to cover the costs of the funeral.{{cn|date=February 2020}}

The assault on Unsworth was investigated by Queensland Police. On 3 February 2017, the police force concluded their investigation and said in a statement that Unsworth's assailant, also a 13-year-old boy, was "being dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act".

Federal government funding for the Safe Schools Coalition was set to expire on 30 June 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/nsw-education-minister-rob-stokes-to-dump-safe-schools-program-20170416-gvlp47.html|title=NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes to dump Safe Schools program|last1=Smith|first1=Alexandra|last2=Aston|first2=Heath|date=17 April 2017|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=17 April 2017}} In order for the program to continue operation after this date, it would be necessary for it to be funded by states. Australian states have taken different approaches to funding of the program.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/dec/14/what-is-safe-schools-what-is-changing-and-what-are-states-doing|title=What is Safe Schools, what is changing and what are states doing?|last=Alcorn|first=Gay|date=14 December 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=17 April 2017}}

On 16 April 2017, New South Wales Education Minister Rob Stokes announced that New South Wales would not fund the program beyond 30 June 2017, and that it would be replaced by a different anti-bullying initiative. This move was heavily criticised by Fairfax columnist Andrew Street, who invoked Unsworth's suicide in his criticism.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/comment/view-from-the-street/safe-schools-is-social-engineering-but-scripture-classes-arent-20170417-gvm0wp.html|title=Safe Schools is social engineering, but scripture classes aren't?|last=Street|first=Andrew|date=17 April 2017|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=17 April 2017}}

On 18 April 2017, Tasmanian Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff announced that, like New South Wales, Tasmania would also not fund the program beyond 30 June 2017, and would instead implement a different anti-bullying initiative. The new initiative would preserve a focus on anti-LGBTI bullying. The Australian Christian Lobby criticised the new program as well, arguing that there should be no focus on sexuality and gender in anti-bullying programs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.acl.org.au/why_it_is_too_soon_for_tassie_parents_to_breathe_a_sigh_of_relief?recruiter_id=3606|title=Why It Is Too Soon For Tassie Parents To Breathe A Sigh Of Relief|last=Brown|first=Mark|date=21 April 2017|website=Australian Christian Lobby|access-date=21 April 2017|quote=“Why is there a stipulation in the government guidelines for the new program to focus on gender and sexuality when research shows that LGBTI students are not the main cohort experiencing bullying in schools?”}}

{{Portal|LGBTQ}}

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