LONDON- What is legal today, consensual sex with another man, was not legal more than 50 years ago and still impacts John Crawford, according to The Associated Press.
Crawford, 70, a retired butler, is pushing to correct an unjust conviction that he received in 1959 for being homosexual.
“The police beat me and beat me and forced me to confess to being gay, but I know in my heart I did nothing wrong,” Crawford said. “I came into this world without a criminal record and I’d like to leave this world without one.”
Because of his convection, it has followed him all of his life, as he continues to struggle to find work or do volunteer work. Crawford wholeheartedly believes he shouldn’t be punished for his sexual orientation. Crawford’s confidence to clear his record is supported by gay organizations that are also looking to help others who were convicted under Britain’s former “anti-homosexuality” laws.
Crawford’s lawyers wrote to Justice Secretary Jack Straw, requesting the law to be changed to fix this situation for not only him but others. If nothing is done by March 12, they will seek for higher authority.
“I’ve got to be able to put my hand on my heart and say to the world, I haven’t got a criminal record” Crawford said.
“And I can’t say that now.”
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