In civil court in the Bronx today Jugde Patricia Williams barred Raphael Bueno of the The Cherry Tree Association from housing activists during the republican convention at Casa Del Sol, a community center in the South Bronx. Jugde Williams also refused to allow an open court hearing despite Constitutionally protected open and due process of law. She also refused to hear the testimoney of volunteers and reports from the fire marshal regarding the safety of the premises. Judge Williams stated the property belonged to ACORN and refused to hear any evidence to the contrary. The Cherry Tree Association is contending that the transfer of the lease by HPD (Housing Protection and Developement) was illegal and unjustified. They contend to own the property and have been in full possesion of it for over 20 years. Although the possesion of the property is clearly in dispute Judge Williams seemed content to acknowlege ACORN's claim to the property without a proper hearing. Judge Williams stated that Raphael Bueno, executive director of the Cherry Tree Association, was barred from allowing people to stay in the building that houses the community center. Bueno stated he was not afraid of being cited in contempt by the judge: "I will not comply with Judge William's order for two reasons. One, it violates my First Amendment rights and, secondly it violates my right to due process of law. Also, it is my religious duty to provide sanctuary for these people." Allison Hailbaun, lawyer representing ACORN was not available for comment. ACORN has had a mixed history of community projects and recently been accused of union busting in their workplace. The Cherry Tree Association wihtin Casa Del Sol has been a vital community resource for the Mott Haven and the South Bronx, helping support educational workshops, a thriving art gallery, community garden initiatives, ground water reclamation and clean air advocacy for the poorest congressional district in the United States. Bueno said, "The judge is threatening to put me in jail. I say we are going to put more people in here."