British Government Apologises to gay war hero Alan Turing

Prime Minister Gordon Brown issues a posthumous apology to the World War ll code breaker following an online petition of over 30,000 signatures.

In a statement issued to The Telegraph Gordon Brown has apologized for the “utterly unfair” treatment Alan Turing and thousands of other gay men suffered at a time when homosexuality was deemed a criminal offence.

Turing, famous for deciphering German Enigma codes, is often hailed as a mathematical genius and a war time hero. His contribution to the war effort earned him the OBE. Time Magazine included Turin in its celebration of the 100 most important people of the 20th century.

In 1952 however, he was tried and convicted under the charge of “Gross Indecency” for having a homosexual relationship. Forced to choose between a prison sentence and chemical castration Turin chose the latter. In 1954 he committed suicide.

“It is no exaggeration to say that, without his outstanding contribution, the history of the Second World War could well have been different. He truly was one of those individuals we can point to whose unique contribution helped turn the tide of war”, writes Brown.

“I am pleased to have the chance to say how deeply sorry I and we all are for what happened to him. Alan and the many thousands of other gay men who were convicted as he was convicted, under homophobic laws, were treated terribly.”

The article which appeared in Thursday’s edition of The Telegraph came in response to a petition calling for the government to “recognize the tragic consequences of prejudice that ended this man’s life and career.”

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