Statues Spark Controversy
A legal dispute in Quincy, Massachusetts, is drawing attention as it challenges the city’s plan to place statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian outside its public safety headquarters. The case, focused on religious displays on government property, might reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing Quincy, expects a ruling from the Massachusetts Supreme Court soon.
Joseph Davis, senior counsel at Becket, expressed confidence that the court would reject the ACLU’s stance, describing it as “anti-art and anti-history.” According to Davis, Massachusetts law does not prohibit the display of civic art linked with religion. He emphasized the city’s right to honor first responders with symbols representing courage and sacrifice.
Background of the Statues
The controversy began when The Patriot Ledger reported Quincy’s intent to install the statues, which are 10-foot bronze artworks designed by an Italian sculptor. St. Michael is the patron saint of police officers, while St. Florian serves as the patron saint of firefighters.
Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch chose the statues to honor and motivate first responders, aiming to boost morale and ensure their efforts remain effective. However, critics argued that the decision lacked public disclosure during the building approval process, raising constitutional concerns.
Legal Proceedings
In May 2025, Quincy residents and taxpayers, represented by various faith groups and organizations, sued the city and Mayor Koch. They claimed that the statues’ installation violated Massachusetts Constitution’s protections on religious neutrality.
The ACLU of Massachusetts, alongside other national entities, stated in its brief that the statues, rooted in Catholic iconography, do not serve a secular purpose. The presence of overtly religious symbols on the public safety building could be seen as advancing religion.
Support for the Statues
Contrarily, briefs submitted by the National and Massachusetts Fraternal Orders of Police defended the statues. They highlighted that St. Michael and St. Florian are cherished by first responders across various faiths, not just Christians.
Mayor Koch’s office has refrained from commenting while awaiting the court’s decision.
ACLU’s Position
Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, stressed that the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights ensures government neutrality in religious matters. This neutrality enables diverse beliefs to thrive in Quincy and throughout the state.
The existing legal framework for evaluating Article 3 claims, as established nearly 50 years ago, remains relevant. According to Rossman, using the statues as the sole decoration on a government facility dedicated to serving all residents breaches the state constitution.
Rachel del Guidice, a culture reporter for Fox News, reports on the intersections of politics, faith, family, and American culture.