Court Blocks Religious Statues Outside Public Safety HQ in Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ highest court has halted the installation of statues representing Catholic saints outside a new public safety headquarters in Quincy. The court’s decision stems from concerns that these monuments might reflect government preference for a specific religion.

The ruling upheld a previous decision in October 2025 that blocked the city from placing two 10-foot statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian. St. Michael is recognized as the patron saint of police officers, while St. Florian is honored as the patron saint of firefighters.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, supporting Quincy in this legal matter, stated that the process is ongoing. Joe Davis, Becket’s senior counsel, expressed disappointment but noted the ruling is not final. According to Davis, Quincy chose these statues to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of its police and firefighters. He argued that public art should not be concealed due to potential religious associations.

Critics argue that the statues could violate the Massachusetts Constitution’s mandate for religious neutrality by placing religious symbols outside a government facility. The controversy gained attention following a report by The Patriot Ledger about Quincy’s plans to install the statues.

Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch clarified that the statues were not selected to promote religion but to honor and motivate first responders. Koch emphasized the role of these monuments in uplifting morale and reinforcing the significance of first responders’ duties.

The legal conflict escalated in May 2025 when faith-based groups and taxpayers took action against Quincy and Koch. They claimed that the installation violated constitutional protections for religious neutrality.

The plaintiffs are backed by organizations including the ACLU of Massachusetts, the national ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

The ACLU of Massachusetts argued that the statues lack a secular purpose and are intended to promote religion. Their imagery draws directly from Catholic iconography, which they believe undermines religious neutrality.

However, some law enforcement groups argued that St. Michael is revered by individuals across various faiths, not limited to Christianity. The National Fraternal Order of Police noted that first responders of diverse backgrounds value these saints for their symbolic importance.

In response, Mayor Koch emphasized that the statues were chosen to commemorate the service and heroism of Quincy’s first responders. He vowed to continue advocating for their installation under the legal framework.

Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, stated that the government in Massachusetts must remain neutral in religious matters. According to Rossman, the statues could undermine the ideals of a pluralistic society.

Rossman expressed pride in representing plaintiffs who oppose the statues, and she is committed to pursuing the case in Superior Court.