In 1952 scientist Alan Turing was betrayed by the British government. The scientist who was instrumental, through his code breaking endeavors, of shortening the Second World War, was arrested for little more than being gay. Turing's homosexuality resulted in a criminal prosecution in 1952, when homosexual acts were still illegal in the United Kingdom. He accepted treatment with female hormones (chemical castration) as an alternative to prison.
Alan Turing died in 1954, just over two weeks before his 42nd birthday, from cyanide poisoning. An inquest determined that his death was suicide; his mother and some others believed his death was accidental.
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It is ridiculous to give Turing a posthumous pardon. Where does it end? Obviously Oscar Wilde needs one too, but how far back in history will we go? To what end? Will we posthumously pardon all those convicted of witchcraft? Or of attending mass in the time of Henry the Eighth's suppression of the catholic church? Will we bring back from Australia the descendants of those transported for offences which would now warrant only a very minor sentence?
Turing, of course, is now seen as an important historical figure, but will similar pardons be given to those who lived more ordinary lives?
Quite simply, Turing was found guilty of acts which were at the time illegal, the fact that our current attitudes have led to a change in the law do not make him not guilty of a crime back then.
Imagine, I get stopped by the police for speeding in a 30 limit. Ten years later, the speed limit on the road is upped to 50.
Do I then apply to have my fine refunded, my record wiped? Does today's change mean my speeding was justified?
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