In August 2009, British programmer John Graham-Cumming initiated a pivotal movement by starting a petition urging the British government to apologize for the prosecution of Alan Turing on charges related to his homosexuality.

The petition quickly gathered momentum, securing over 28,000 signatures, reflecting a public consensus that the treatment of Turing was unjust. Recognizing this movement, then-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued a statement in September 2009, describing Turing’s treatment as “appalling” and extending a formal apology on behalf of the British government.

This public apology acknowledged the profound impact of Turing’s work and expressed regret for the historical injustice he suffered.

In the article below, World History Edu provides a complete breakdown of the events leading up to the momentous apology.

Image: Gordon Brown in 2008

Push for a Posthumous Pardon

The momentum from the apology led to further advocacy efforts, spearheaded by William Jones and MP John Leech, who launched another e-petition in December 2011. This petition, which attracted over 37,000 signatures, called for a posthumous pardon for Turing, highlighting the grave personal consequences of his conviction, which contributed to his tragic suicide at the age of 41.

However, initial governmental responses were discouraging. Justice Minister Lord McNally rejected the idea of a pardon in Parliament, stating that Turing was aware of the legal ramifications of his actions at the time, despite the contemporary recognition of the law’s cruelty.

Image: A picture of Alan Turing in 1936.

Legislative Efforts and Public Support

Undeterred, John Leech, MP for Manchester Withington, pursued legislative change, introducing several bills aimed at securing a pardon. His campaign gained significant public and academic support, including endorsements from prominent figures like Stephen Hawking. The cause received widespread attention, culminating in a mention at the British premiere of “The Imitation Game,” a film about Turing’s life, which acknowledged Leech’s role in bringing Turing’s story to the forefront of public consciousness.

The Path to Pardon and Legislative Change

In July 2012, the campaign saw a major breakthrough when a bill was introduced in the House of Lords to grant Turing a statutory pardon. The bill received significant support from influential scientists and was eventually passed by the Lords. Despite facing obstacles in the House of Commons, the government chose to bypass parliamentary hurdles by using the royal prerogative of mercy.

On December 24, 2013, Queen Elizabeth II officially signed the pardon, which was one of the rare instances of a royal pardon since the end of the Second World War. This pardon was not only symbolic but also a rectification of a historical wrong, acknowledging Turing’s unparalleled contribution to the war effort and the advancement of computer science.

Image: Queen Elizabeth II in 2007

The Alan Turing Law and Broader Implications

The successful pardon campaign led to broader legislative changes with the introduction of the “Alan Turing law,” implemented under the Policing and Crime Act 2017. This law provided an amnesty for men who were convicted under obsolete laws against homosexual acts, effectively pardoning thousands of men who were similarly mistreated under past legislation. This law was a significant step towards correcting historical injustices and reaffirming the commitment to equality and justice.

Continued Recognition and Honors

The campaign for Turing’s recognition did not stop with the pardon. In 2016, the government proposed an official apology to LGBT veterans, and discussions about further honoring Turing, including the suggestion of erecting a statue in Trafalgar Square, continue to highlight his legacy. Turing’s story remains a powerful reminder of the progress yet to be made in the fight for equality and the importance of acknowledging the contributions of those who were marginalized.

Through these efforts, Alan Turing’s legacy has been cemented not only as a brilliant mathematician and the father of modern computing but also as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for LGBT rights and recognition. His posthumous accolades, including his appearance on the Bank of England £50 note and being named the greatest person of the 20th century by a BBC series audience, continue to celebrate his monumental contributions and the profound impact of his life and work.

Image: Statue of Turing.