Last week, The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that 6th District Councilwoman Denise Gray has filed for a temporary restraining order against 4th District Councilwoman Brenda Monarrez. According to the Herald-Leader, Councilwoman Gray alleged in the filing that Councilwoman Brenda Monarrez “has been sexually aggressive toward her on more than one occasion,” most recently in early August. No criminal charges have been filed against Councilwoman Monarrez.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 20, at 8:30 a.m., Judge Traci Brislin will hold a court hearing to decide whether or not to issue the temporary restraining order. If issued, Councilmember Monarrez would likely not be able to attend council meetings or work from her office at the Government Center.
Aside from Councilmember Monarrez not being able to be present at the Government Center, it is unclear what other consequences would result from the issuance of the order. There are no rules in Lexington’s charter that allow councilmembers to be removed from office for harassment of any kind. We will update readers with any information as it becomes available.
Republished by CivicLex.
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https://www.civiclex.org/weekly-posts/court-will-decide-whether-or-not-to-grant-councilmembers-restraining-order