Home Local News BRANSTAD CIVIL TRIAL ABRUPTLY MOVED TO ANOTHER COUNTY

BRANSTAD CIVIL TRIAL ABRUPTLY MOVED TO ANOTHER COUNTY

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A civil trial alleging former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad discriminated against an ex-state official because he’s gay has been moved 35 miles east to Newton.

An order entered by Judge Brad McCall on Thursday says attorneys for both sides agreed to move the trial to the Jasper County Courthouse.

The trial began June 5th and is expected to last a month.
The order says the same Polk County jury will continue to hear the case.

Former Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Chris Godfrey is suing Branstad , the state and two of Branstad’s former staff members.

Godfrey alleges discrimination and retaliation based on sexual preference and political affiliation.

The order to change locations doesn’t say why but Godfrey’s lawyer, Roxanne Conlin, has complained about the air quality in the historic courthouse, which is under renovation.

Her son, JB Conlin, was arrested June 10th on charges that he resisted an officer’s request to leave the courtroom, where he was attempting to test the air quality.

AP