QUINCY, Mass. — A coalition of Quincy residents representing multiple faith backgrounds filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Norfolk Superior Court seeking to block the installation of two large religious statues outside the city’s new public safety building. The plaintiffs, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Massachusetts, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, argue that the display violates constitutional protections regarding religious neutrality.
The lawsuit challenges a plan initiated by Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch to install two ten-foot-tall bronze statues depicting Catholic saints—Michael the Archangel and Saint Florian—at the entrance of the facility, which will serve as the new headquarters for the Quincy Police Department. According to the plaintiffs, the statues are government-endorsed religious symbols that violate the Massachusetts Constitution by favoring one religion over others, as well as religion over non-religion.
The residents involved in the case describe themselves as “members of diverse faiths who do not want their government officials and publicly-owned property to promote specific religious beliefs.” They argue that the installation sends a message of exclusion to non-Catholics and those of no religious affiliation.
The statues, estimated to cost taxpayers at least $850,000, were reportedly commissioned without public disclosure or discussion. While the Quincy City Council approved funding for the broader public safety facility in a series of votes, the lawsuit claims the specific plan to install the religious monuments was never presented during those sessions. Public awareness of the statues emerged only after media coverage brought the matter to light.
The plaintiffs allege that concerns over the project’s transparency, cost, and constitutionality were dismissed by city officials at a subsequent council meeting. The lawsuit asserts that the plan imposes religious symbolism on all who work in, visit, or pass by the public safety building, violating Article 3 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights.
“This isn’t about opposing anyone’s faith — it’s about keeping government neutral so that everyone, regardless of what they believe, feels equally welcome and protected,” said Gilly Rosenthol, one of the plaintiffs. “No one should have to walk past giant religious monuments just to access a public safety building.”
Heather L. Weaver, Senior Counsel at the ACLU, echoed that concern, stating, “The City has abandoned its constitutional duty to remain neutral on matters of faith. The new public safety building will be home to many critical government services, but the moment they walk in the door, Quincy residents who do not share the City’s favored religious beliefs will get the message that they are not welcome.”
As of publication, the City of Quincy has not issued a formal response to the lawsuit. The case raises broader questions about religious symbolism in government spaces and the limits of public funding for sectarian displays.
