DES MOINES (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad will have to answer questions under oath about his administration’s treatment of a gay former state administrator.
A spokesman confirmed the governor will be deposed Wednesday by an attorney for Chris Godfrey, the former workers’ compensation commissioner.
Godfrey has filed a lawsuit against Branstad and aides alleging he was singled out for harsh treatment because he’s openly gay.
He contends that Branstad demanded his resignation in 2011, and the governor cut his pay by $40,000 when he refused to quit.
Godfrey had been confirmed by the Iowa Senate for a six-year term.
He argued his job was independent from political pressure so that injured workers could get fair hearings.
Branstad has denied discrimination.