A digital petition seeking the removal of Judge Michael Basden emerged following earlier reporting on the judge’s conduct. The campaign, hosted on a popular online platform, calls for his exit from the bench.
Support for the judge arrived promptly from Matt Kiddle, identified as a close associate. In a public comment, Kiddle argued that Basden does not exhibit bias, a stance that contrasts with statements made by Basden in December of last year, when he described Kiddle as a personal friend.
The two men serve together in an LDS Church Bishopric, the highest governing council within a local congregation. This body comprises a bishop and two counselors who collaborate closely to manage the spiritual and temporal affairs of hundreds of members. Their duties include weekly closed-door meetings, handling confidential member confessions, assessing temple worthiness, and overseeing church finances. This shared service fosters a deep bond of confidentiality and brotherhood that typically surpasses ordinary professional or social acquaintanceships.
It remains unclear what direct experience Kiddle has with Basden in a judicial capacity. Kiddle is also noted as a close friend of Lane Wolfley, another individual previously connected to Basden in reporting.