Judge temporarily halts patron saint statues in Quincy, but PETA wants to help

""Adding a statue of St. Francis would send a message of kindness toward all living, feeling beings and speak to the universal virtues of compassion and stewardship," McFarlane wrote."

""The religious significance of the statues depicting two Catholic patron saints is essentially undisputed," Norfolk Superior Court Justice William Sullivan wrote in his decision."

""The Court does not conceive that the ability, commitment, and enthusiasm of the members of the Quincy Police and Fire Departments to serv"

A judge halted installation of two 10-foot bronze patron saint statues outside Quincy's new public safety building. PETA's faith outreach division LAMBS offered to help cover costs to relocate the statues if the city adds a third statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. PETA said adding St. Francis would signal kindness toward animals and honor those who rescue and shelter them. Plans for $850,000 statues of St. Michael and St. Florian faced criticism for their religious nature and lack of transparency. The ACLU sued on behalf of 15 residents and a judge granted a preliminary injunction; the city hired the Becket Fund to appeal.

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