http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/09/01/alan.turing.petition/index.htmlLONDON, England (CNN) -- An online petition demanding a formal apology from the British government for its treatment of World War II code-breaker Alan Turing is gaining momentum.
A portrait of Alan Turing is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery's "Gay Icons" exhibition.
1 of 3 Turing was subjected to chemical castration in 1952 after being found guilty of the charge of gross indecency for having a homosexual relationship, an illegal act at the time. He committed suicide two years later.
More than 19,000 people have added their names to the petition on the UK Government Web site since it opened three weeks ago, urging the government to "recognize the tragic consequences of prejudice that ended this man's life and career."
The petition was created by computer scientist John Graham-Cumming, who said he grew "mad" at the country's memory of a man he says should be considered one of its national heroes.
"I'm looking for an apology from the British government because that's where I think the wrong was done. But Turing is clearly someone of international stature," Graham-Cumming said.
Petition can be found here:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/turing/?showall=1Background on Dr. Turing here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Turing