Legal Battle Over Religious Statues in Massachusetts

Recent developments in a legal dispute over religious statues in Quincy, Massachusetts, could potentially lead to the U.S. Supreme Court. Attorneys argue the case may impact the future of religious displays on government property.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing Quincy, anticipates an imminent decision from the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Joseph Davis, senior counsel at Becket, expressed confidence that the court would dismiss the ACLU’s arguments as being opposed to art and history.

We don’t hide away beautiful civic art just because it might make someone think of religion, and nothing in Massachusetts law says otherwise. Quincy has every right to honor its first responders with symbols that have inspired courage and sacrifice for generations.

The issue arose after reports of plans to install statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian at Quincy’s new public safety headquarters. These 10-foot bronze statues, created by an Italian sculptor, were selected by Mayor Thomas Koch due to their significance to first responders.

Patron saints, St. Michael and St. Florian, symbolize police officers and firefighters respectively. Koch clarified that the selection aimed to honor and inspire first responders, not to promote religious sentiments.

Critics have raised constitutional concerns, pointing out that the plan was not disclosed during approval processes. Several faith groups and taxpayers have sued the city and Koch, claiming the statues breach Massachusetts Constitution’s neutrality on religion.

The ACLU of Massachusetts and other groups argue that the statues, based on Catholic iconography, lack secular purpose and predominantly advance religious imagery, which is unconstitutional.

In contrast, the National Fraternal Order of Police argues the reverence for these saints transcends religious and political affiliations, highlighting their broader symbolic importance.

Amid awaiting the court’s decision, neither Mayor Koch’s office nor representatives have commented further.

Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, emphasized the importance of religious neutrality in government, asserting the statues violate constitutional provisions.

Legal tests established nearly 50 years ago reiterate this principle, arguing that exclusive religious displays on government buildings offering essential services are against the law.