TODAY it’s hard to imagine a society intolerant to homosexuals.

I am not so naive to believe homophobia has been eradicated. But I like to think we’ve changed to allow people to live without fear of prejudice or persecution.

Yet it is only 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in this country. That’s a lifetime.

My lifetime, in fact. I was born the following year.

Prior to 1967, sexual acts between two men were illegal. During that year the Sexual Offences Act decriminalised homosexual acts between two men in private. Lesbian acts had never been illegal so the legislation in that sense changed nothing for gay women.

But the change in the law reflected shifting attitudes in society and paved the way for modern day rights enjoyed by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

As a heterosexual man I cannot appreciate the hardship of those persecuted for their sexuality.

The stories of people like Oscar Wilde and Quentin Crisp helped to bring the struggle of the homosexual community into the mainstream.

And their stories are often a sad indictment of our society’s slow, ongoing journey to enlightenment.

Fifty years on we should be honouring the brave people who fought for their rights to lead the lives they want.

Alan Turing’s story is particularly tragic and moving and has relevance to us in Cheshire.

His life has been celebrated in the Benedict Cumberbatch movie The Imitation Game.

He was the mathematics genius who helped to crack the German Enigma code machines at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.

In 1952, Turing’s house was burgled. He reported the crime and during police investigations it emerged he was in a homosexual relationship.

He was charged with gross indecency and went on trial at Knutsford Courthouse where, under advice, he pleaded guilty.

On conviction he had the choice of going to prison or receive hormone injections to curb his libido. He chose the latter.

He had his security clearance removed and was prevented from continuing his Government work.

It was a bitter blow and an ignoble way to treat this British hero and genius. Two years later Turing died at his home in Wilmslow after biting into an apple laced with cyanide. An inquest concluded suicide.

The British Government has tried to redress the injustice. In 2013 Turing was granted a Royal pardon.

Alan Turing is, of course, one of thousands of men who were treated terribly because of their sexuality.

In 2017 we should remember the sacrifice they made so we can live in a more tolerant society.