Massachusetts’ highest court has prohibited a city from installing large statues of Catholic saints outside a new public safety building. The court’s decision suggests these monuments may show improper government endorsement of a specific religion.
In a ruling on August 20, the court upheld a previous decision that temporarily stopped the installation of 10-foot statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian. These figures are the patron saints of police officers and firefighters. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing Quincy city, has conveyed that the legal conflict continues.
This decision is disappointing but is only preliminary. Quincy chose these statues to honor the courage and sacrifice of its firefighters and police.
The legal counsel emphasized that public art should not be hidden due to religious associations.
Critics argue that the presence of religious symbols near a government building contravenes the Massachusetts Constitution’s mandate for religious neutrality. The controversy followed reports from The Patriot Ledger detailing Quincy’s plans for statue installation.
The statues, created by an Italian sculptor and selected by Mayor Thomas Koch, sparked constitutional concerns due to their religious symbolism.
The legal dispute began in May 2025 when several groups, including faith organizations and taxpayers, took legal action against Quincy. They argue that placing religious statues outside city buildings breaches the state constitution’s commitment to religious neutrality.
Organizations such as the ACLU of Massachusetts, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and others are involved in the lawsuit.
The statues, whose imagery is drawn directly from Catholic iconography, lack a predominantly secular purpose. The primary effect…is to advance religion.
Meanwhile, police organizations have noted that people of many faiths regard St. Michael as a significant figure, not just Christians.
The mayor continues to express disappointment but remains committed to honoring public safety personnel.
Jessie Rossman from the ACLU of Massachusetts highlights the state’s clear stance on maintaining government-religion neutrality, reaffirming the commitment to a diverse society where all beliefs are respected.
The case will continue in Superior Court, as residents and taxpayers express concerns about religious symbols on public property.
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