Former Comp Commissioner Wins $1.5 Million in Discrimination Suit

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 | 0

A jury has awarded Iowa's former workers' compensation commissioner $1.5 million in damages, finding that former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad discriminated against him based on his sexual orientation.

Chris Godfrey

The jury decided Monday that the State of Iowa and Branstad retaliated against Chris Godfrey because Godfrey is gay, according to an Iowa news report.

"It feels a little bit unreal. I’m just so happy that I and my family have finally had justice in this case," Godfrey said Monday.

Godfrey, a Democrat, sued in 2012, charging that Branstad, a Republican, pressured him to resign before his term was finished. When Godfrey refused, Branstad cut his pay. Godfrey's attorney, Roxanne Conlin, alleged that Iowa Republicans had supported anti-gay policies.

"I have always treated everyone, gay or straight, with respect and dignity. That's the way I have always operated," Branstad, who is now ambassador to China, testified during the trial.

The verdict wraps up the six-week trial, but it does not mark the end of the years-long legal battle that began when Godfrey sued seven years ago. On top of the $1.5 million in damages awarded to Godfrey for past and future emotional distress, a judge will determine fees to be paid to his attorneys.

The state of Iowa is responsible for paying the damages and any additional fees. Iowa taxpayers have already paid more than $1 million in fees to private attorneys defending the state, news reports have said.

"We are disappointed in the verdict and are consulting with our attorneys," said Pat Garrett, a spokesman for Gov. Kim Reynolds' office. Garrett did not say if the state will appeal.

Godfrey, who is now chief judge of the board that decides federal workers' compensation disputes in Washington, said he's happy to be able to hold accountable the people who discriminated against him.

Branstad and two of his top officials, legal counsel Brenna Findley and chief of staff Jeff Boeyink, were also named as defendants in the lawsuit.