Out Liberal MP Tim Wilson has spoken in parliament on the effects of bullying following the tragic death of 13-year-old Tyrone Unsworth in Queensland last week.
The former Human Rights Commissioner and current member for Goldstein rose in the Lower House yesterday to acknowledge that Australian kids are bullied every day.
“I can’t speak with authority on the different bases of bullying, but we are aware that many children who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex do face serious issues of bullying from others.”
Mr Wilson said that he believes schools should be sanctuaries from bullying of any kind.
“[Schools should be] a place of empathy and support for everybody, regardless of who they are, but what often isn’t appreciated is that they are… many young LGBTI people also experience bullying from within, from fear that they cannot be themselves and they will not achieve acceptance from their family and may experience social isolation. That is why suicide rates are so high.”
Mr Wilson said he hopes all members of parliament agree there is no place for bullying in Australian schools, workplaces and communities.
Watch Tim Wilson’s full speech below.
