Massachusetts Court Blocks Religious Statues at Public Safety Headquarters

Massachusetts’ highest court has ruled against the installation of two statues of Catholic saints outside a new public safety headquarters. The court found the statues could suggest governmental support for a specific religion.

The decision, made on August 20, supports an earlier ruling from October 2025. This ruling halted the installation of the two 10-foot statues representing St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian, patrons for police officers and firefighters, respectively. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing the city of Quincy, remains committed to continuing the legal fight.

“This ruling is disappointing but is only preliminary,” said Joe Davis, senior counsel at Becket and lead attorney for Quincy. “Quincy chose these statues to honor the courage and sacrifice of its firefighters and police officers.”

The controversy began when The Patriot Ledger reported Quincy’s plan to place these statues at its new public safety building. Critics argue this would breach the Massachusetts Constitution’s requirement for religious neutrality in government proceedings.

The statues created by an Italian sculptor were selected by Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. Despite criticisms, Koch asserts the intention behind these statues is not religious but to honor and inspire first responders. Opponents, however, claim the statues were not openly discussed during the building approval process, raising constitutional issues.

The legal dispute began in May 2025. Faith groups and taxpayers sued Quincy and Mayor Koch in Norfolk Superior Court to stop the statues’ installation, citing violations of constitutional protections on religious neutrality. The plaintiffs are backed by several organizations, including the ACLU of Massachusetts and Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

In their legal briefing, the ACLU stated, “The primary effect of permanently installing these religious statues is to advance religion.” Conversely, the National Fraternal Order of Police defended the statues, emphasizing their wider symbolic appreciation among various faiths.

Mayor Koch reiterated in his statement that the statues honor the bravery and sacrifice of Quincy’s firefighters and police officers. “This decision is disappointing, but it is preliminary, and we will continue to fight for the ability to commemorate our first responders as the law permits,” he said.

Jessie Rossman, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, highlighted the importance of maintaining government neutrality in religion. She stated, “The Supreme Judicial Court affirms principles essential for a pluralistic society where people of all faiths and no faith can flourish.”

Rachel del Guidice, a culture reporter for Fox News, covers the intersection of politics, faith, family, and American culture.