Alan Turing

Alan Turing led the WWII team that broke the German code which in turn shortened WW2, saved countless lives and helped assure Allied victory.

In 1952, Turing was arrested for gross indecency for consensual same-sex intimacy. He was offered imprisonment or chemical castration. Turing chose chemical castration. Two years later, at age 41, Turing committed suicide.
 
Known as the father of the computer, the Turing machine is the basis for computer technology.
 
In September 2009, as a result of a successful international petition, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued a formal apology to Alan Turning for the treatment he received.  Brown recognized Turing's contribution to humankind and "all those who live freely thanks to Alan's work.

In the apology Brown said:
"I am proud to say we're sorry, you deserved so much better."

Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum said:
"Alan Turing is one of the most important figures of the 20th century. Despite his exceptional accomplishments, homophobia castrated him and led to his suicide. More than an apology is required. Alan Turing deserves to be posthumously knighted by the Queen."
 
To nominate Alan Turing for Knighthood visit:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Honoursawardsandmedals/DG_067909