Queen Elizabeth II granted a posthumous pardon to the great mathematician Alan Turing, at least in part erasing the shame of having tried him for his homosexuality in 1952. This act represents a victory of the campaign that requested such an act, which began a few years ago and was supported by several members of the last British governments, many scientists and many other people. In the end, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling submitted a formal request to the Her Majesty, who issued the pardon.
Today Alan Turing is recognized as the father of computer science and artificial intelligence and for his enormous contribution to the Allied intelligence during World War II. In 1945 he even received the honors of the Order of the British Empire for his role in deciphering secret codes Germans, but a part of his work remained covered by secrecy for many years.
In the years following World War II, Alan Turing continued his work in the field of mathematics and computer science but because of his homosexuality he was tried for gross indececy. To get a suspended sentence he had to undergo chemical castration and the great scientist ended up committing suicide when he wasn’t even 42 years old.
Today the works of Alan Turing are no longer covered by secrecy and he received a great recognition over the years, not only in science but also in ways such as a statue in Sackville Park in Manchester (photo ©Lmno). Scientists and historians are discussing the extent of its role in the Allied victory in World War II. Obviously, there are many speculations but there are those who think that his role was decisive even if obscure.
Now came a posthumous pardon but the issue is still debated. There were those who thought that he was owed a pardon while others keep on thinking that it’s useless, a belated recognition of an injustice given just because Alan Turing was a genius. Both sides have their points because this pardon officially recognizes an injustice, even if late, but Turing was just one of many homosexuals prosecuted by a law of the Victorian era.
In my opinion, the pardon is still a good thing even if it’s late. It’s useful to remember a great scientist for his personal story and his great contributions to science and to the intelligence of the Allies during World War II.
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