Keep politics out of our high-ranked judiciary

Most of us are aware of the Iowa Supreme Court's decision allowing same-sex couples to be married via civil unions. A movement has begun to oppose retention of three of the justices who joined this unanimous decision: Justices Streit, Ternus and Baker. Gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad has also proposed a change in the way we select judges.

Iowa's judiciary is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation. This is because our selection system minimizes politics and emphasizes qualifications. The governor must select judges from a list of two or three people nominated by a commission composed of attorneys and non-attorneys whose sole role is to nominate the best qualified applicants.

Politics should not be a consideration in selecting or retaining judges. The people of Iowa need a fair and impartial judiciary, which guarantees that all of our rights will be protected.

This time it was the rights of same-sex couples. Next time it may be your right to freedom of religion or to free speech. The fact that Justices Streit, Ternus and Baker had the courage to join in what they knew would be a politically divisive decision should solidify our belief that they will do what the law requires and not bend to political pressure. That is what judges are supposed to do.

Christopher Bruns

Cedar Rapids