Friday 11 September 2009

MaltaStar: Gordon Brown apology for gay World War II hero

11.9.9

Gordon Brown apology for gay World War II hero
11 September 2009 11:44

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has apologised for the "appalling" way World War II code-breaker Alan Turing was treated for being gay.


A petition on the No 10 website had called for a posthumous government apology to the computer pioneer.

In 1952 Turing was prosecuted for gross indecency after admitting a sexual relationship with a man. Two years later he killed himself.

The campaign was the idea of computer scientist John Graham-Cumming.

He was seeking an apology for the way the mathematician was treated after his conviction. He also wrote to the Queen to ask for Turing to be awarded a posthumous knighthood.

The campaign was backed by Ian McEwan, scientist Richard Dawkins and gay-rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. The petition posted on the Downing Street website attracted thousands of signatures.

Mr Brown, writing in the Telegraph newspaper, said: "While Mr Turing was dealt with under the law of the time and we can't put the clock back, his treatment was of course utterly unfair and I am pleased to have the chance to say how deeply sorry I and we all are for what happened to him."

He said Mr Turing deserved recognition for his contribution to humankind.

In the statement he said: "So on behalf of the British government, and all those who live freely thanks to Alan's work I am very proud to say: we're sorry, you deserved so much better."

Mr Turing's three nieces said they were "delighted" and "very glad" to see the injustice recognised.

[Click on the hyperlink above to view the comments on MaltaStar's website.]
---

Related Article:
PinkNews: Thousands sign Downing St petition demanding apology for Alan Turing

No comments:

Post a Comment