The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has blocked the city of Quincy from installing two statues of Catholic saints honoring police officers and firefighters outside a new public safety headquarters. The ruling, issued on August 20, 2026, upheld a lower court's decision that the statues could improperly signal government support for a specific religion.
The statues in question are 10-foot tall representations of St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers, and St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing Quincy, indicated that the legal battle is ongoing. Senior counsel Joe Davis stated, "This ruling is disappointing but is only preliminary. Quincy chose these statues to honor the courage and sacrifice of its firefighters and police."
Critics argue that placing religious figures outside a government building violates the Massachusetts Constitution's provisions for religious neutrality. The controversy arose after reports indicated that Quincy planned to install the statues outside its new public safety headquarters, with the sculptures crafted by an Italian artist and selected by Mayor Thomas Koch.
Koch defended the decision, stating that the statues were intended to honor first responders and boost morale. However, critics, including the ACLU of Massachusetts and other organizations, filed a lawsuit in May 2025, claiming that the installation would violate constitutional protections. The ACLU argued that the statues lack a predominantly secular purpose and would advance religion.
In contrast, the National Fraternal Order of Police and Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police contended that St. Michael is revered by individuals of various faiths, not exclusively Christians. Mayor Koch expressed disappointment over the ruling but reaffirmed the city's commitment to honoring its first responders.
Legal director Jessie Rossman of the ACLU of Massachusetts stated that the ruling reinforces the need for government neutrality in religious matters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pluralistic society. The case will continue to be litigated in Superior Court.