First-ever LGBT judge in Texas county banned for life over misconduct complaints
May 6, 2026
A Texas judge facing multiple complaints of misconduct has agreed to resign immediately and accept a lifetime disqualification from judicial service.
The Christian Post reports that Bexar County Court at Law Judge Rosie Speedlin-Gonzalez signed a formal agreement stating she “has officially and formally resigned her judicial duties effective immediately” according to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Under the terms of the agreement, Speedlin-Gonzalez “shall be forever disqualified from judicial service in the State of Texas,” including serving as a judge, running for or accepting appointment to judicial office, or performing any judicial duties.
The resignation comes days after prosecutors moved to dismiss felony and misdemeanor charges against the judge stemming from a December 2024 courtroom incident.
Speedlin-Gonzalez faced felony charges of unlawful restraint by a peace officer and a misdemeanor charge of official oppression after she allegedly ordered defense attorney Elizabeth Russell to be handcuffed and placed in the jury box during a heated exchange.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended Speedlin-Gonzalez without pay in January following her indictment.
The agreement, which summarizes complaints alleging judicial misconduct, states the parties agreed “the allegations of judicial misconduct, if found to be true, could result in further disciplinary action.”
According to the Christian Post, the agreement references the handcuffing incident and other complaints, including allegations of unprofessional demeanor, delays in handling habeas corpus petitions, and directing court staff to have no contact with former employees.
In return for her resignation, the commission agreed not to pursue further disciplinary action.
The document states Speedlin-Gonzalez “does not admit guilt, fault or liability.”
Speedlin-Gonzalez may still perform wedding ceremonies, “provided she does not wear a robe or refer in any way to her judicial authority or function.”
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