Massachusetts High Court Weighs Religious Statues on Public Building
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is reviewing Quincy's plan to install religious statues on public property.
Why it matters: This ruling could set significant precedent on the line between religious symbolism and government endorsement in public spaces. Cities nationwide are watching for guidance on managing religious displays on government property.
- Quincy planned to install statues of St. Michael and St. Florian to honor first responders.
- Residents, backed by the ACLU, sued in May 2025, citing church-state concerns.
- A preliminary injunction blocked the installation in October 2025.
- The high court heard oral arguments on May 6, 2026; a decision is pending.
The City of Quincy sought to place two 10-foot bronze statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian—the patron saints of police and firefighters—outside its new public safety headquarters. The $850,000 taxpayer-funded project aimed to honor first responders, but it sparked a legal and constitutional debate.
In May 2025, Quincy residents represented by the ACLU and allied groups sued to halt the installation, arguing it violated the Massachusetts Constitution's prohibition on government endorsement of religion. Daniel Mach, ACLU’s director of Freedom of Religion and Belief, stated, "The government simply has no business playing favorites with faith."
Joseph Davis from Becket, representing the city, countered: "The ACLU is trying to purge Massachusetts’ public square of any civic art that might remind someone of religion, which is hostility toward religion and out of step with decades of Supreme Court precedent and centuries of the Commonwealth’s traditions." (Becket)
On October 14, 2025, Norfolk Superior Court issued a preliminary injunction, citing concerns that non-Catholic community members might feel excluded or worry about receiving equal treatment at the public safety building. That injunction remains in effect as the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court heard oral arguments on May 6, 2026 (FFRF).
The court’s decision will clarify the extent to which religious symbolism is allowed on public property and could influence similar cases nationwide.
By the numbers:
- $850,000 — Taxpayer cost of the commissioned statues
- May 27, 2025 — Date lawsuit was filed by residents and ACLU
- October 14, 2025 — Date preliminary injunction stopped installation
Yes, but: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has not yet issued a final decision, leaving local governments uncertain about the precedent.
What's next: A decision from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is still pending and expected to set precedent.