About those statues...
When Saints Michael and Florian arrive from Italy, they will need to visit Norfolk Superior court before they get to Quincy.
That’s because a group of fifteen Quincy residents—represented by the ACLU of Massachusetts, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation—have filed a lawsuit to block the city’s plan to install the two towering Catholic statues at the entrance of its new $175 million public safety complex (press release). Their argument? That the use of public funds and public space for overtly religious symbols violates both the U.S. Constitution and Article III of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, which guarantees the separation of church and state.
Below, find one-stop shopping on all the info you need to understand this situation:
A Just Quincy is very familiar with this story and has covered it comprehensively.
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So what happens next? According to a press release on the ACLU of Mass’ website, the “plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction that would prevent the City from proceeding with its unconstitutional plan during the pendency of the lawsuit.” Any lawyers in our readership who would like to give their opinion on how long it takes for a preliminary injunction to be heard and decided on? Write in at info@ajustquincy.com.
Stay up to date by following along with the Patriot Ledger’s coverage or keep your eyes on A Just Quincy’s website and social media for the latest information.