Britain posthumously pardoned a few thousand gays
Thousands of gay and bisexual men convicted of now defunct sexual offences in Britain was posthumously pardoned thanks to the new law, announced by the Ministry of justice.
"The law named Alan Turing" received Royal assent on Tuesday, the last stage of the bill in the United Kingdom. This gives you automatic pardon of the people who died before the law came into force, and provides an opportunity for convicted gay men to seek a pardon, citing the law.
The law was named after the famous mathematician, cryptographer, logic, and the first "programmer" Alan Turing, who killed himself in 1954 after he was subjected to chemical castration as punishment for homosexual acts. In 2013, nearly 60 years later, he received a posthumous Royal pardon from Queen Elizabeth II.
"This is really a great day. We will never be able to undo the harm caused, but we apologized and took action to correct these misconceptions," said justice Minister Sam Gyimah. "I am very proud that" Turing's Law" has become a reality under this government."
Some men are victims of discrimination said they will not seek or accept forgiveness, because that would be an admission of guilt.
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