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Judge Halts Quincy’s Saint Statues at Public Safety HQ as Constitutional Case Proceeds

The ruling cites plausible signs of religious favoritism under Article 3 of the Massachusetts Constitution.

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An artist's rendering of Quincy's new public safety building, showing the 10-foot-tall statues of Saint Michael and Saint Florian (Source: Norfolk County Superior Court)
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Overview

  • Norfolk Superior Court granted a preliminary injunction on Oct. 14 blocking installation and denied the city’s motion to dismiss.
  • Mayor Tom Koch says the city will appeal the decision as the lawsuit continues without a set trial date.
  • The statues are 10-foot bronze depictions of St. Michael and St. Florian purchased with roughly $850,000 in public funds.
  • The judge noted the plan was commissioned without prior public notice and found non‑adherents could reasonably question equal treatment when entering the building.
  • Multifaith residents represented by the ACLU and allied groups brought the suit, and the city has said the Italian‑sculpted statues are expected to arrive in the region later in October.