Legal Battle Over Statues in Massachusetts City Nears Supreme Court

The city of Quincy, Massachusetts, finds itself at the center of a legal dispute over the installation of statues depicting St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian outside its public safety headquarters. Attorneys argue this case could influence the future of religious displays on government property, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty represents Quincy. It expects a decision from the Massachusetts Supreme Court soon. Joseph Davis, senior counsel at Becket, expressed confidence in rejecting the ACLU’s position, describing it as against art and history.

The controversy began after Quincy’s plan to install 10-foot bronze statues of St. Michael and St. Florian was reported by The Patriot Ledger. Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch chose these statues to honor first responders, aiming to inspire and encourage them. St. Michael is the patron saint of police officers, while St. Florian serves as the patron saint of firefighters.

Critics pointed out constitutional concerns due to the plan not being publicly disclosed during the approval process. The legal battle started in May 2025 when various faith groups and Quincy residents sued the City of Quincy and Koch, arguing the installation violated Massachusetts Constitution’s religious neutrality protections.

The ACLU of Massachusetts, along with other organizations like Americans United for Separation of Church and State, argue the statues primarily advance religion, lacking secular purpose. In contrast, the National Fraternal Order of Police briefs contend St. Michael is revered by people of diverse faiths, emphasizing the symbolic importance to first responders regardless of religious affiliation.

Koch’s office currently awaits the court’s decision without further comments. Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, emphasized the need for government neutrality in religious matters, which preserves varied beliefs across communities. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s legal test, established nearly 50 years ago, remains crucial in analyzing claims related to religious displays, according to Rossman. This test argues that installing these statues violates the state constitution as they serve as the sole adornment on a government building intended for essential services.

Rachel del Guidice, a culture reporter for Fox News, covers topics concerning politics, faith, family, and American culture.