A legal case in Massachusetts may reach the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the installation of religious statues outside a public safety building. The outcome could set a precedent for future religious displays on government property.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing Quincy, anticipates a decision from the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Joseph Davis, a senior counsel at Becket, expressed confidence in a favorable ruling, criticizing the ACLU’s opposition as anti-art and anti-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.” – Joseph Davis
The controversy began when Quincy planned to place 10-foot bronze statues of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of police, and St. Florian, patron saint of firefighters, outside its new public safety headquarters. Mayor Thomas Koch selected these statues to honor first responders.
Critics argue that the proposal was not publicized during the building’s approval process, raising constitutional concerns about religious neutrality. The legal challenge started in May 2025, with various faith groups and taxpayers suing Quincy.
The ACLU of Massachusetts, alongside other organizations, argues that these statues have no secular purpose and primarily promote religion. In contrast, the National Fraternal Order of Police states that the saints are valued by people of various faiths, not exclusive to Christianity.
Jessie Rossman, ACLU of Massachusetts’ legal director, stresses the importance of maintaining government neutrality in religious matters, as outlined in the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights.
“The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court established the legal test to analyze Art. 3 claims nearly 50 years ago. Under that test, installing these statues as the sole adornment on a government building violates our state constitution.” – Jessie Rossman
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