A small South Carolina town committee has turned a Christmas decoration into a constitutional battleground, refusing their mayor’s direct order to remove a nativity scene from public property.
Story Snapshot
- Mullins Mayor Miko Pickett ordered the Beautification Committee to remove a nativity scene from public property, citing religious neutrality concerns
- Committee leader Kimberly Byrd and her team refused to comply, sparking intense community support
- The standoff has continued for weeks with the nativity scene still standing despite the mayor’s order
- The controversy reflects broader national tensions over religious displays on government property
Mayor’s Order Sparks Community Uprising
The Mullins Beautification Committee spent two weeks carefully decorating the public parking lot near the city marketplace, creating a festive holiday display that included a nativity scene. Mayor Miko Pickett viewed the religious display differently than the community volunteers who installed it. She issued a removal order, arguing the nativity scene made the city appear “not neutral” on religious matters.
The mayor’s Facebook statement attempting to justify the removal only intensified community outrage. Residents viewed the order as an attack on their religious heritage and Christmas traditions. The backlash revealed the depth of feeling in this South Carolina community about maintaining their right to religious expression.
Committee Draws Line in the Sand
Kimberly Byrd emerged as the unlikely leader of what became a religious freedom stand. The Beautification Committee’s refusal to remove the display represented more than simple defiance of municipal authority. Committee members and supporters made their position crystal clear with unwavering conviction.
One resident captured the community’s resolve: “If they want to take it down, they can take it down. But if they take it down, we’ll take our decorations down. Because that’s just how strongly I’m convicted about this.” This all-or-nothing stance demonstrated that the nativity scene controversy had evolved into something much larger than holiday decorations.
Constitutional Clash Continues
The Mullins standoff connects to a 1984 Supreme Court ruling that established guidelines for religious displays on public property. Mayor Pickett’s position reflects standard municipal concerns about avoiding government endorsement of religion. However, the committee’s stance represents equally legitimate constitutional principles about religious exercise and community expression.
Byrd’s leadership in this controversy earned recognition through a religious liberty award, indicating that her position resonates beyond Mullins city limits. The national attention suggests this local dispute reflects broader tensions playing out across American communities during holiday seasons when religious traditions meet government property restrictions.
Sources:
Wilmington Daily News Now Coverage
