Legal Dispute Over Religious Statues in Massachusetts May Reach Supreme Court
A legal dispute surrounding the installation of statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian outside a public safety headquarters in Massachusetts could escalate to the U.S. Supreme Court. Lawyers for both parties argue that the outcome will influence the future of religious displays on government property.
The Becket Fund for Religious Freedom is representing the City of Quincy, which has indicated that a decision from the Massachusetts Supreme Court is expected soon.
“The ACLU’s stance is, to put it bluntly, anti-art and anti-history. We believe the judge will dismiss their claims,” said Joseph Davis, a senior adviser with Becket and Quincy’s lead attorney.
Davis continued, “We won’t conceal beautiful civic art simply because it might be associated with religion. Massachusetts law supports this right. Quincy should be allowed to honor first responders with symbols that inspire courage and sacrifice.”
The issue began when local reports revealed that Quincy planned to erect two 10-foot bronze statues outside its new public safety headquarters. These statues are meant to honor the patron saints of police and firefighters, St. Michael and St. Florian.
Mayor Thomas Koch clarified that the statues were not intended to promote a religion, but rather to “celebrate, uplift, and support first responders,” aiding them in maintaining their critical life-saving services.
Critics have expressed concerns, noting that the plans for these statues were not disclosed during the building approval phase, which raised constitutional questions.
The legal challenge started in May 2025 when residents from different faith groups filed a lawsuit against Quincy, arguing that the installation of the statues violated the Massachusetts Constitution’s requirement for religious neutrality.
The plaintiffs are represented by multiple organizations, including the ACLU of Massachusetts and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. The ACLU argues that the imagery associated with the statues derives from Catholic iconography and serves no secular purpose, claiming that their presence promotes religion.
In contrast, the National Fraternal Order of Police argues that St. Michael is respected by individuals of various faiths, stating, “First responders from all backgrounds, including Catholics and Christians, hold both saints in high regard for what they symbolize in their profession.”
As the court’s ruling awaits, Mayor Koch has no additional comments at this moment.
Jesse Rothman, legal director for the ACLU of Massachusetts, emphasized that the government must remain neutral regarding religion, a principle that allows diverse beliefs to flourish in places like Quincy. He also mentioned that a legal framework established nearly five decades ago supports their argument, asserting that placing these statues on government property violates the state constitution.
