In 2019, just after months of taking the bench as County Court 13 Judge, Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, entered into what would be a four- battle / appeal process regarding her right to exhibit a pride flag in her courtroom.
A complaint filed by a local defense attorney to the State Commission of Judicial conduct promoted this ongoing dispute. Which ended in the forced removal of LGBTQ paraphernalia from her courtroom including: the pride flag, a rainbow pen, mousepad, and a robe with a serape pattern.
All of these items were said to violate Texas’ code of judicial conduct.
Gonzalez, known for being the first, openly gay judge in Bexar County, appealed the decision during a hearing in Austin last year. The Texas Supreme Court found Gonzalez not guilty on all counts and dismissed any grievances and sanctions against her back in June.
For Gonzalez and the LGBTQ community, the win was significant.
Gonzalez’s flag will not appear in her courtroom any longer despite winning the appeal. Rather, the flag will now sit right outside her chambers going forward. Gonzalez said this is because people can’t be stopped from filing their grievances, and as a way to temper that dissension, she will not proceed to display her flag in the courtroom.
The important thing for Gonzalez is not the gossip and controversy she’s faced while holding office thus far, but to continue to serve the community and provide equal justice for all.
This case is an important one not only for the LGBTQ community, but for Texas, as it ushers in a new dialogue surrounding ethics both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Read the full issued option here: Opinion Issued – SCR 20-0002; In re Inquiry Concerning Hon. Rosie Speedlin-Gonzalez (CJC 19-1038, 19-1737, 20-0121, 20-0267)
- View the story on KSAT 12