Overview
- The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which heard arguments Wednesday, took up Quincy’s plan to place two saint statues at the new police and fire headquarters.
- Quincy says the 10-foot bronze figures of St. Michael and St. Florian honor first responders as secular symbols at a cost of about $850,000.
- Residents represented by the ACLU argue the statues’ Catholic meaning would make the city favor one faith in violation of Article 3 of the state constitution.
- Justices questioned the city’s intent, the lack of similar displays at Massachusetts public safety buildings, and how recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings on religious displays should shape their review.
- A Norfolk Superior Court blocked installation in October 2025, and the SJC typically issues decisions about 130 days after argument, leaving the injunction in place through summer or early fall.