Judge Tonya Parker
Judge Tonya Parker has been selected as president-elect of the Texas Association of District Judges.
TADJ is a non-partisan organization that monitors the Texas Legislature for issues that impact the state’s district courts and promotes legislation that supports the state’s justice system. Parker, who’s openly gay, was nominated by immediate past President Judge Craig Smith and elected by the membership.
“I am honored to be selected by my peers and I thank Judge Smith for having faith in my ability to lead this organization,” Parker said in a statement. “I am excited to use this position to advance ideas that will improve our justice system.”
Parker was elected to the 116th Civil District Court in Dallas County in 2010. She became a national star last year when she told Stonewall Democrats of Dallas that, among the things she does for LGBT equality in her courtroom, she refuses to perform weddings since she cannot marry in the state.
Parker will speak at the NAACP Garland Freedom Fund Brunch at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Curtis Culwell Center, 4999 Naaman Forest Blvd. in Garland. For information about the event, go here.
