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11/09/2009
Apology Over Gay Codebreaker's Treatment
Gordon Brown has issued an official posthumous apology for the treatment of Alan Turing, a gay man many regard as instrumental in Britain's World War II effort.
Computing pioneer Mr Turing was a government code-breaker based at Bletchley Park during the war, helping to crack Nazi messages.
In 1952 he was prosecuted for being homosexual and eventually underwent an experimental chemical castration.
Shunned by society and stripped of his government security clearance, Mr Turing took his own life two years later.
Today, the Prime Minister, responding to an online petition, apologised for the "appalling" treatment Mr Turing underwent.
Thousands added their names to the 10 Downing Street campaign, which was backed by computer scientist John Graham-Cumming, scientist Richard Dawkins and gay-rights activist Peter Tatchell.
Mr Brown, writing in the Daily 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.
"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," said the PM.
Calls have been made for Mr Turing to be awarded a posthumous knighthood by the Queen.
However, Peter Tatchell said Mr Turing was just one of thousands convicted of 'gross indecency' for being gay, and should not just be "single-out" because he was famous.
A memorial statue to Mr Turing was unveiled in Manchester's Sackville Gardens eight years ago.
(PR/GK)
Computing pioneer Mr Turing was a government code-breaker based at Bletchley Park during the war, helping to crack Nazi messages.
In 1952 he was prosecuted for being homosexual and eventually underwent an experimental chemical castration.
Shunned by society and stripped of his government security clearance, Mr Turing took his own life two years later.
Today, the Prime Minister, responding to an online petition, apologised for the "appalling" treatment Mr Turing underwent.
Thousands added their names to the 10 Downing Street campaign, which was backed by computer scientist John Graham-Cumming, scientist Richard Dawkins and gay-rights activist Peter Tatchell.
Mr Brown, writing in the Daily 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.
"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," said the PM.
Calls have been made for Mr Turing to be awarded a posthumous knighthood by the Queen.
However, Peter Tatchell said Mr Turing was just one of thousands convicted of 'gross indecency' for being gay, and should not just be "single-out" because he was famous.
A memorial statue to Mr Turing was unveiled in Manchester's Sackville Gardens eight years ago.
(PR/GK)
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