Ex-Workers' Compensation Commissioner Claims Governor Targeted Him for Being Gay

Friday, September 16, 2016 | 0

Former Iowa workers’ compensation commissioner Chris Godfrey and Gov. Terry Brandstad are awaiting word from the state Supreme Court on the proper venue for Godfrey's claim that the governor and his staff discriminated against him because he's gay.

Chris Godfrey

The two sides made oral arguments to the court on Wednesday over the question of whether Godfrey's claims should be adjudicated by the court system or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, according to a report by the Gazette newspaper.

Godfrey, who served as a commissioner under two Democratic governors, claims the Republican governor pressured him to resign and then cut his pay by $39,000 a year because he is gay and an outspoken gay rights advocate.

The governor’s staff said the pay cut was over poor job performance, but Godfrey cites positive work reviews and promotions. The Supreme Court is not deciding the merits of Godfrey’s case but only whether he can collect monetary damages, The Gazette said.