Legal Battle Over Religious Statues in Massachusetts

A legal dispute over whether Quincy, Massachusetts can install statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian outside its public safety headquarters may reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Attorneys on both sides assert this case could impact the future of religious displays on government property.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing Quincy, anticipates a decision soon from the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Joseph Davis, senior counsel at Becket, expressed confidence that the court will reject the ACLU’s stance, which he described as anti-art and anti-history.

The conflict began after Quincy planned to place two 10-foot bronze statues outside its new public safety headquarters, as reported by The Patriot Ledger. The sculptures, crafted in Italy, were chosen by Mayor Thomas Koch to honor police officers and firefighters, with St. Michael being the patron of police and St. Florian the patron of fire services.

Mayor Koch clarified that the statues aim to inspire and support first responders, boosting morale and effectiveness, not to promote religion. Critics argue that the statue plan wasn’t disclosed during the building approval process, raising concerns about constitutional religious neutrality.

The legal challenge started in May 2025 when faith groups and taxpayers in Quincy sued the city and Koch, claiming the installations violate Massachusetts Constitution’s religious neutrality protections. The plaintiffs are represented by the ACLU of Massachusetts and other organizations.

The ACLU contends the statues lack a secular purpose and primarily advance religion, as their imagery draws from Catholic iconography. Conversely, briefs from police organizations argue that the saints hold symbolic significance for many first responders, regardless of faith.

The ACLU argues that the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights mandates governmental neutrality in religious matters. This neutrality ensures diverse beliefs flourish, according to Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts.

Rachel del Guidice, a culture reporter for Fox News, covers the intersection of politics, faith, family, and American culture.