The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that the city of Quincy cannot install two Catholic saint statues outside its new public safety headquarters, determining that the monuments could violate the state Constitution's requirement of religious neutrality. The ruling upholds a lower court's decision that had temporarily blocked the city from displaying the 10-foot statues of St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers, and St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing the city of Quincy, stated that the legal battle is ongoing, emphasizing that the court's decision is preliminary. "This ruling is disappointing but is only preliminary," Joe Davis, senior counsel at Becket, 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. As the Court noted today, this is not the final word for these statues, and we will continue defending Quincy’s right to honor its heroes."
The controversy began when news broke that Quincy planned to place the statues outside its new public safety headquarters. Critics argued that the installation of religious figures on government property would violate the Massachusetts Constitution's protections on religious neutrality. The statues were sculpted in Italy and selected by Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch.
Mayor Koch stated that his intention in selecting the statues was not to promote religion, but to "honor, inspire and encourage our First Responders" and to "boost morale." He added, "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."
Faith groups and taxpayers, represented by the ACLU of Massachusetts, the national ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, filed a lawsuit in May 2025. Their legal brief argued that the statues "lack a predominantly secular purpose" and that their installation would "advance religion."
Conversely, the National Fraternal Order of Police and the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police submitted a brief asserting that St. Michael is revered by people of various faiths, not exclusively Christians. "First responders of all stripes, religious creeds, and political affiliations — and not just Catholics or Christians — cherish both saints for their symbolic importance to the profession," the brief stated.
Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, commented on the ruling, stating, "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."