Sixth District Councilwoman Denise Gray is seeking a restraining order against District 4 Councilmember Brenda Monarrez, whom she is accusing of multiple instances of sexually aggressive behavior toward her.
A judge is set to consider the request Tuesday morning.
If granted, Councilwoman Monarrez would not be able to attend council meetings with Gray — or possibly enter the government building at all.
Adrian Bryant with CivicLex says that could mean a number of unprecedented challenges for the council. First, it raises questions about representation for the 4th district and how that would proceed. Second, Bryant says the city charter and council rules don't appear to provide a clear way forward, should the order be approved.
"There's no language about any kind of like a hybrid option, where one council member can Zoom in while the rest are in person... like that specific situation isn't really outlined," Bryant says. "So yeah, it's really just kind of a wait-and-see thing. It really is new territory."
No criminal charges have been filed against council member Monarrez in the case.
