A legal battle is underway in Massachusetts over the City of Quincy's plan to install two 10-foot bronze statues of St. Michael and St. Florian outside its new public safety headquarters. The controversy began after The Patriot Ledger reported the planned installation.

In May 2025, various faith groups of Quincy residents and taxpayers filed a lawsuit in Norfolk Superior Court against the city and its officials, arguing that the statues violate the Massachusetts Constitution's protections on religious neutrality.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing Quincy, told Fox News Digital they are expecting an imminent decision from the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Joseph Davis, senior counsel at Becket and lead attorney for Quincy, criticized the ACLU's opposition, stating, "The ACLU’s position is anti-art and anti-history and we’re confident the justices will reject it."

City officials, including Koch, have said the statues were chosen not to promote religion but to "honor, inspire, and encourage our First Responders," as well as to "boost morale" and "ensure [first responders’] lifesaving work would remain maximally effective."

A brief filed on behalf of the National Fraternal Order of Police and Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police noted that St. Michael is revered by people of various faiths, not solely Christians.

The case could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court, with attorneys on both sides arguing it may shape the future of religious displays on government property.

Sources