SNP MP hits out at government attempts to make “Turing Bill” fail
The SNP MP behind the so-called "Turing Bill", aiming to overturn 50,000 gay sex convictions, has hit out at government attempts to stop it being passed today.
The government said it would not support SNP MP John Nicolson's Sexual Offences (Pardons etc.) bill, which was debated in parliament today.
The government put forward an amendment to the Policing and Crimes Bill instead.
Read more: Sir Philip Green takes fresh swipe at Frank Field
Nicolson made clear has given up hope of it being passed after accusing a minister of "filibustering" to make sure the bill is not passed.
Ah it seems the Minister plans to talk the #Turing out. If he keeps talking until 14.30 the Bill dies. I'll keep you posted. It's 14.10.
— JOHN NICOLSON M.P. 🇵🇸 🇺🇦 (@MrJohnNicolson) October 21, 2016
It will fail if the minister talks past 14.30 #Turing https://t.co/NaFPF9qMCB
— JOHN NICOLSON M.P. 🇵🇸 🇺🇦 (@MrJohnNicolson) October 21, 2016
A really sad day in the House of Commons. We had an opportunity to send a clear message and say sorry. #TuringBill https://t.co/INh2VQRRQ1
— Hannah Bardell SNP MP 🏴🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@HannahB4LiviMP) October 21, 2016
Read more: Hilary Benn to lead cross-party Brexit watchdog
The private member’s bill, which was debated by MPs today, was named after World War II codebreaker Alan Turing, who was prosecuted for being in a relationship with another man.
Turing was pardoned, after his death, in 2013. And ministers have put forward plans for posthumous pardons, but this bill proposed a blanket pardon for the living.
The government opposed the bill because it could lead to some being cleared of offences that are still crimes, the BBC reported.