Massachusetts' highest court has ruled against the city of Quincy's plan to install two 10-foot statues of Catholic saints outside its new public safety headquarters, determining that the monuments could improperly signal government endorsement of one religion.
The Aug. 20 ruling upheld a lower court's decision to temporarily block the installation of statues depicting St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers, and St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which is representing Quincy, stated that the legal challenge is ongoing.
"This ruling is disappointing but is only preliminary," Joe Davis, senior counsel at Becket and lead attorney for the city, said in a statement. "Quincy chose these statues to honor the courage and sacrifice of its firefighters and police. The city should not have to hide public art simply because some people may think of religion when they see it."
Critics have argued that placing religious figures outside a government building would contravene the Massachusetts Constitution's requirements for religious neutrality. The controversy began when the city's plan to install the statues, sculpted in Italy and selected by Mayor Thomas Koch, was reported.
Court documents indicate Mayor Koch stated his intention was not to promote religion but to "honor, inspire and encourage our First Responders," boost morale, and ensure their work remained effective. However, critics voiced concerns that the plan was not disclosed during the building's approval process and raised constitutional issues.
The legal challenge commenced in May 2025 when faith groups and taxpayers filed a lawsuit against the city and Koch. They argued that the planned installation violated the state constitution's religious neutrality protections.
The plaintiffs are represented by the ACLU of Massachusetts, the national ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Cloherty & Steinberg LLP.
The ACLU of Massachusetts asserted in its legal brief that the statues, with imagery drawn from Catholic iconography, lack a predominantly secular purpose. The organization contended that the permanent installation of "overtly religious statues" would advance religion.
Conversely, the National Fraternal Order of Police and the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police argued in a separate brief that St. Michael is a revered figure across various faiths, not exclusively Christianity. They stated that first responders of all backgrounds cherish both saints for their symbolic significance to the profession.
Mayor Koch reiterated his commitment to honoring the city's first responders. "This decision is disappointing, but it is preliminary, and we will continue to fight for the ability to commemorate our first responders as the law permits," he said.
Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, commented, "Here in Massachusetts, our state constitution is clear: The government must remain neutral in matters of religion and must not elevate one faith above others. With today's landmark ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court affirms those principles, which are the essential foundation of a pluralistic society where people of all faiths and no faith can flourish."
Rossman added, "As Quincy residents and taxpayers, our clients believe that installing these plainly religious statues would undermine those ideals. We are proud to represent these courageous plaintiffs, and we look forward to continuing to litigate the merits of this case in Superior Court."