Leading article: A petition – and a pardon – that should be granted
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The e-petition has become that rare thing: a popular government initiative. The latest one calls for the computer pioneer and decoder Alan Turing to be pardoned and have his gross-indecency conviction quashed. The former may be simpler than the latter.
Quashing a conviction for something that would not constitute a crime today may be hard to do without seeming to exclude everyone else so charged. The 1967 reform was, in essence, an acknowledgement that the criminalisation of homosexuality was wrong.
The request for a pardon, on the other hand, deserves universal support. Turing was one of the most gifted scientists the country has produced; he placed his genius at the service of his country and his reward was to be traduced and hounded to his death. Two years ago, as Prime Minister, Gordon Brown apologised on behalf of the Government. A pardon, with the message it would send about past mistakes and new beginnings, should be the logical next step.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments