Quincy officials are facing backlash over plans to install two 10-foot bronze statues of patron saints at the new $175 million Public Safety building. The ACLU of Massachusetts has urged the city to cancel the project, emphasizing the principle of separation of church and state. They argue that the statues may alienate non-Catholic residents, particularly at a public safety facility. Mayor Koch's chief of staff defended the decision, stating the statues are a minor expense relative to the overall budget and maintain that the religious depictions transcend their connotation.
The ACLU of Massachusetts called on Quincy officials to "cancel" plans to build two 10-foot, bronze statues of patron saints at the city's new Public Safety building.
"Such a failure would be particularly acute at a public safety building, where all Quincy residents should feel safe, welcomed, and equally respected by their government."
At a City Council meeting, officials defended the statues, insisting they were "prominent, not dominant" and transcended any religious connotation.
"Plans evolve," said Mayor Koch when questioned about whether the City Council was informed about the statues.
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