r3dux.org

British mathematician, crypto-analyst and founder of computer science Alan Turing (he of Turing Test fame) has been given an official apology by the British Government for his persecution for being gay.

Great, great bloke who did an incredible amount for the Allies in WW2 with his work on breaking German cyphers – all respect is due.

From the Number 10 response:

“Thousands of people have come together to demand justice for Alan Turing and recognition of the appalling way he was treated. While 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.”

Hear, hear.