ACLU asks Quincy to cancel patron saint statues at public constructing

The ACLU of Massachusetts referred to as on Quincy officers to “cancel” plans to construct two 10-foot, bronze statues of patron saints on the metropolis’s new Public Security constructing Monday forward of a metropolis council assembly the place officers had been booed when defending the general public artwork.

The Patriot Ledger first reported on the plans so as to add statues of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian, the patron saints of police and firefighters, respectively, to the facade of one of the crucial costly buildings in Quincy’s historical past at $175 million, the Ledger reported. 

The ACLU wrote to Mayor Thomas Koch, advocating for “the separation of church and state, a precept which is amongst our nation’s oldest traditions.” 

“Such a failure could be notably acute at a public security constructing, the place all Quincy residents ought to really feel protected, welcomed, and equally revered by their authorities,” attorneys with the ACLU wrote. “It conveys the message that Quincy is a Catholic group and that non-Catholics don’t belong or are much less valued.”

The statues price $850,000, and when requested if the Metropolis Council knew in regards to the statutes, Koch beforehand stated “plans evolve.” Chris Walker, Koch’s chief of employees, advised councilors Monday that “this was finally and solely the mayor’s determination,” referring to the statues.

“The choice on this has been made. The mayor in his authority makes choices. He’s made this determination,” Walker stated.

At a Metropolis Council assembly Monday night, metropolis officers gave an replace on the development. Walker referred to as the statues “distinguished, not dominant” on the facade and famous that the saints would price about half a p.c of the mission’s total finances.

“The depictions of Michael and Florian transcend any spiritual connotation,” Walker stated, which was met with some audible groans earlier than the council president banged his gavel. 

“These are historic, symbolic protectors of our first responders. Their connections to the police and hearth providers are deep and lengthy standing. Their import in symbolism can’t be understated,” Walker continued. He was met with resounding applause from the primary responders packed within the chamber.

A number of councilors pointed to spiritual iconography on the Boston Public Library, the Massachusetts State Home, and even in cemeteries in Quincy to defend the statues.

“I don’t hear anyone speaking about the place there’s loads of spiritual imagery is in our public areas, in our cemeteries,” Quincy Metropolis Council President Ian Cain stated. Somebody then referred to as out from the viewers, “that’s so silly.” “Thanks for coming,” Cain replied.

Cain stated the council discovered of the statues when the Ledger reported it, after somebody anonymously tipped off the newspaper.

“This wasn’t meant to open up a dialogue with the individuals who work in authorities, whether or not with the mayor’s workplace or with the Metropolis Council. This was somebody attempting to embarrass us, which I don’t respect,” Cain stated.

Quincy Police Chief Mark Kennedy gave his opinion on the statues when requested by counselors.

“They’re symbols of the police and the hearth division, and I believe they’re a lot greater than spiritual and political,” Kennedy stated. “They remind every of us of the respective oaths that we took once we took this job, and once more, from my perspective and I hope I’m talking for the women and men of the police and the hearth division once I say that I see them as symbols of safety, justice, bravery and sacrifice.”

Molly Farrar is a common task reporter for Boston.com, specializing in schooling, politics, crime, and extra.